Okiya Omtatah Wins As Court Stops Re-advertisement Of The Auditor General’s Post

The Employment and Labour Relations Court has suspended the recruitment for an auditor General after the outspoken activist Okiya Omtatah filed a petition against the selecting panel.

Auditor General position fell vacant last year in August after then Auditor General Edward Ouko’s term came to an end. Public Service Commission had stated that the government had to re-advertise for the vacancy after the selection panel failed to find a suitable candidate to fill the retired Ouko’s vacancy.

According to activist Okiya Omtatah, all of the three candidates met all the requirements. Omtatah had sued the panel stating that it was unlawful to turn down the selection of the three candidates.

“The decision to re-advertise the vacancy in the position of Auditor-General is unconstitutional and, therefore, invalid, null and void,” he said.

In today’s ruling, Justice Stephen Radido temporarily halted re-advertisement for the post. The vacancy had been announced in 2019 December.

“Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of this case, the court at this moment issues an interim order prohibiting the sued parties and their agents. Howsoever acting, from giving effect to the advert, howsoever published, re-advertising the vacancy in the office of the Auditor-General and asking qualified and interested persons to apply,” Justice Stephen Radido said.