Court reinstates Kenya Ports Authority MD Catherine Mturi-Wairi

The High Court in Mombasa has reinstated Catherine Mturi-Wairi as Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director, barely a week after she was sent on compulsory leave by the KPA board.

High Court Judge Eric Ogola on Tuesday directed Ms. Mturi to get back to work until a case challenging her dismissal and the appointment of Daniel Manduku to the position in acting capacity is heard and determined.

The case was filed by a Mombasa resident, Emmanuel Kenga, who argues that the meeting held to discuss Mturi’s dismissal was illegal.

The case was set for hearing on June 12, 2018.

Ms. Mturi’s reinstatement comes amid another case filed by human rights activist Okiya Omtata challenging the KPA boss’ dismissal.

Mturi was sent on compulsory leave on May 30, 2018, by the board for failing to meet performance targets.

Sources told Citizen Digital that the decision was partly linked to failure by the port management to curb on illicit imports, counterfeits and contraband.