Former MD wins Sh11 million in suit against State

Kenya: Former MD, National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC) Meshack Saboke, has been awarded Sh11 million by the Industrial Court.

Mr Saboke was appointed by Charity Ngilu, who was then the Minister for Water and Irrigation in October 2008, for a three-year term as managing director at the parastatal.

On October 30, 2009, Ms Ngilu dissolved the corporation's board of directors and sent Saboke on compulsory leave after only serving for 12 months.

It was alleged that Saboke had signed blank cheques, which were used by certain staff members to defraud the corporation while he was out of the country.

Fraudulent cheques

He, however, told the court that his signature in the alleged fraudulent cheques amounting to Sh26,220,060 drawn in favour of Elburgon Stores, Welcome Car Hire and Transports, Comford General Contractors and Volex Contractors were forgeries.

Saboke asked the court to either reinstate him as NWCPC's head or order the corporation to pay him Sh8 million for the remaining 18 months of his contract.

Justice Mathews Nduma awarded Saboke Sh400,000 in withheld allowances, Sh8,280,000 for the unserved period of the contract, Sh1,116,000 gratuity and Sh 1,380,000 for three months' notice for dismissal.