CMC Motors boss gets work permit back

By Patrick Githinji

Immigration Ministry has reinstated entangled CMC CEO William Lay’s work permit barely two days after revoking it.

In a letter dated Friday 23, Minister Otieno Kajwang said Lay’s work permit is valid.

"I wish to confirm to you that the decision to grant Mr W Lay the work permit is unchanged and the same remains valid," Kajwang’ said in a statement.

The minister defended his move arguing: "I have considered your timely clarification over the issue surrounding the work permit and on the strength of the legal advice from my technical officers."

On Wednesday, CMC Holding Chairman Joel Kibe wrote a four page letter directed to minister objecting the revocation.

On his part Kibe said: "Despite the recent challenges, the company has continued with normal operations under the competent stewardship of Lay.

"There is no vicious boardroom war at CMC. The company has been holding its routine and special board meetings as usual."

In the letter, Kibe told Kajwang’ that the issues afflicting the company were based on a dispute between Andy Forwarders and CMC.

"It became apparent that Muthoka as the Chairman had used his position in CMC to unjustly enrich Andy and therefore himself to the detriments of CMC which was in blatant breach of his fiduciary duty to the company," said Kibe.

However, the Chairman alleged that CMC lost Sh500million per year to Andy forwarders and has since instituted a legal suit claiming over Sh2billion from Andy Forwarders.

Kibe cited other four reasons why Lay;s work permit should not be revoked.

"Arising from all the foregoing, therefore we urge you to withdraw your directive which is clearly illegal, unlawful and against national interest," he said.