This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
On December 17, 2019, a dramatic scene unfolded at the Child Welfare Society of Kenya's office on Lang'ata Road, Nairobi, as employees tried to remove their CEO, Irene Mureithi, from the premises.
According to eyewitnesses, the employees claimed that Mureithi was under suspension but continued to transact business at the office, which they alleged was a one-man show. 'What is happening here is not in the interest of children. The CEO is suspended but comes here,' said Anne Njeri, an accountant.
The employees also accused senior managers of doing business with the society, and Kenneth Ngigi, the Human Resource Officer, was quoted as saying, 'I am like a ceremonial human Resource Officer. Recruitment is not done on merit.'
However, Mureithi declined to comment, referring the matter to the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Joseph Gichuru. Gichuru denied the allegations and stated that the employees' representatives had been asked to attend a meeting to resolve their differences, but they declined.
As a result, the society's headquarters was closed until further notice, with Gichuru stating that the atmosphere was not suitable for work. He urged any employees with information on corruption activities or misappropriation of funds to report to the relevant government authorities.
Despite the closure, over 80 employees vowed to report to their workplace, indicating a deep-seated rift within the organization.
