CJ Willy Mutunga summons Teachers Service Commission lawyer

The Supreme Court has summoned Teachers Service Commission (TSC) lawyer Stella Ruto.

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga Thursday adjourned the case over the 50-60 per cent teachers pay increase after he realised that the lawyer was not present.

"The court will proceed only when the lawyer is present before this court in person," Dr Mutunga stated before adjourning almost immediately the session started.

The highest court in the land had sent a notice on Monday to all lawyers involved in the 50-60 per cent pay rise case requiring them to appear before it for a mention Thursday.

However, when the Kenya National Union of Teachers lawyer Paul Muite rose to introduce the lawyers, the Chief Justice, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Justice Kalpana Rawal, and Justices Smokin Wanjala, Jackton Ojwang and Mohamed Ibrahim, asked about the whereabouts of Ms Ruto.

Mr Fred Ngatia, TSC's lead lawyer, explained the reason behind her absence but the CJ insisted that the court would only proceed if she appeared in person at a date to be set by the Registrar.

Ruto had written to court, on behalf of TSC, indicating that they had withdrawn an application that sought the review of previous orders. The commission moved to the court for a second time, seeking a review of a ruling that declined temporary orders barring payment of the 50-60 per cent salary increment, but now wants the matter dropped.