Drama as child welfare workers try to eject boss

Security officers escort Child Welfare Society of Kenya CEO Irene Mureithi out of the organisation's office on Lang'ata Road, Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

There was drama at the Child Welfare Society of Kenya yesterday after employees tried to eject their CEO Irene Mureithi from office.

However, their efforts were thwarted by the heavy presence of police officers who blocked the corridors to the conference room where the CEO sat with Joseph Gichuru, chairman, Board of Trustees and two other unidentified members.

The employees claimed Ms Mureithi is under suspension but comes to the office and transacts business.

“What is happening here is not in the interest of children. The CEO is suspended but comes here,” said Anne Njeri, an accountant.

They accuse her of reducing the society to a one-man-show.

Kenneth Ngigi, the society’s Human Resource Officer, said he is not involved in the hiring or sacking of staff.

“I am like a ceremonial human Resource Officer. Recruitment is not done on merit,” he said.

The employees also accuse senior managers of doing business with the society.

The CEO, however, declined an interview and instead, referred to Mr Gichuru.

Gichuru denied the allegations and said they have asked the employees' representatives to attend a meeting to solve their differences within the society but they declined.

Society problems

He said they have decided to close the office until temperatures cool down.

“There have been very negative press reports about the society and our employees. We have had issues with our employees and requested them to have two or three people to represent their grievances but have refused to sit with us,” he said.

Mr Gichuru continued: “So today we have decided to close the headquarters for a short term because the atmosphere is not suitable. We have decided to send them on leave until these temperatures go down.”

The chairman said any employee who has any information on corruption activities or misappropriation of funds should report to relevant government authorities.

However, the over 80 employees vowed to report to their workplace.