This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 23, 2019, a Nairobi court suspended the appointment of former Othaya MP Mary Wambui to the National Employment Authority, following a petition by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.
The petition sought to nullify Wambui's appointment as chairperson to the Authority, citing a violation of the spirit and letter of the law championed by Sakaja to create the employment body.
According to Sakaja, the appointment of Wambui, who is a former legislator, went against the specific provision of Section 2(10) of the NEA Act, which requires the chairperson of the board to be a professional who has worked as a Human Resource Manager for at least seven years.
Wambui had been appointed to the role, but her appointment was met with backlash from Kenyans who questioned her qualifications.
However, Wambui responded to the criticism, stating that she is qualified to take the position and that she has the qualifications and experience to run the office.
"I got the post because I am better than those complaining. I have the qualifications and experience to run the office," she stated.
