This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has maintained that Francis Wangusi's exit as the head of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is irreversible. The assertion further stoked the controversy around a legal dispute over the authority of the regulator's board to appoint a new director-general.
According to Mucheru, the court order issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court on Tuesday did not reinstate Wangusi since his term had already expired. 'Francis Wangusi has served his two terms in office that came to an end on August 22,' said Mr Mucheru.
He added that the court order maintained the status quo, meaning that Mercy Wanjau continues serving in an interim capacity. 'The court said the status quo be maintained, so Mercy Wanjau continues serving in an interim capacity because the court cannot extend someone's term in office once it has lapsed.'
The CA board echoed the CS's position, saying the recruitment process of a new director-general remains on hold pending the hearing and determination of the case challenging the legality of the composition of the board.
On Tuesday, Labour Relations Court Judge Byram Ongaya extended the orders granted on August 16, barring the regulator from appointing a new director-general following a petition filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek), challenging the recruitment process.
The case has been scheduled for September 10 and will be heard together with one filed by activist Okiya Omtata who is also challenging Mucheru's appointment of new CA directors.
