Court halts KBC boss' removal

NAIROBI: A court has temporarily stopped the removal of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Managing Director Waithaka Waihenya.

In a statement released to the Press, the State broadcaster’s board confirmed that they sought and obtained a stay of execution of the Industrial Court’s ruling made on December 5, which had nullified the appointment of Mr Waihenya as KBC boss.

The Industrial Court had nullified Waihenya’s employment following a petition filed in 2012 by political analyst Jared Juma, on grounds that his appointment was unconstitutional.

He assumed office in 2004, in an acting capacity, following the removal of then MD, David Waweru. The position was subsequently advertised on September 8, 2010.

“By arbitrarily limiting the age of the managing director to be below the age of 45 years, my right and those of other citizens were violated contrary to Article 27 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya,” Juma argued.

Waihenya is currently in Cape Town, South Africa, on official duty.