Appointment of Meru County Assembly clerk goes to court

The Meru County Assembly during a past session. The appointment of county assembly clerk has been challenged in court. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The appointment of the new Meru County Assembly Clerk Jacob Kirari hangs in the balance after an application was filed to contest the legality of the procedure. Mr Kirari replaced the former office holder who retired.

The petitioner, Kenneth Muriuki contends that the whole process of interviewing, nomination, appointment and the swearing in of Mr Kirari as Meru County clerk was unprocedural and should be nullified.

He says the appointment failed to comply with the Public Appointment (County Assemblies Approval) Act, County Government Act, and the constitution.

“The violation of the law renders Mr Kirari’s appointment to the position of the Clerk to the County Assembly of Meru illegal and unlawful,” Mr Muriuki in court papers.

At the time of the appointment, Meru County Assembly Service Board also comprised four male members and one female which violates the two thirds gender rule set out in the Constitution.

The Meru County Assembly, and the MCASB have been listed as respondents. Mr Kirari has been enjoined as an interested party. Case will be heard on March 16.