This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
The University of Eldoret is facing a Sh38 million debt case, which is set to be heard by a five-judge bench at the Supreme Court. The case involves two former senior administrative officers, Prof Ezekiel Kiprop and Hosea Sitienei, who were awarded the money in a July 9 ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) in Nakuru.
Prof Kiprop and Mr Sitienei were suspended in July 2015 following unrest at the university. They moved to court and successfully challenged the disciplinary action, with Prof Kiprop being awarded Sh24.1 million and Mr Sitienei Sh14.7 million. The judgement was to be implemented within 30 days from the date of delivery, but the university failed to comply, leading the two men to file contempt proceedings against the institution's management.
Through lawyer Kipkoech Ng'etich, the complainants got Kolato Auctioneers to attach the vehicles, which were left in the custody of the university for seven days before being moved and sold to the public. The institution then moved to the Supreme Court and sought orders barring the sale of the vehicles.
A five-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice David Maraga, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and justices Mohammed Ibrahim, Smokin Wanjala, and Isaac Lenaola, has been constituted to hear the case. The bench is yet to set a hearing date.
