Ex-KDF officer accuses military of unfair dismissal, withholding Sh1.5 million benefits
Muok told the Committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, that his dismissal was unfair because he had informed his superiors about his health condition, but the matter was never considered.
A former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer has accused the military of unfairly dismissing him and withholding Sh1.5 million in terminal benefits, arguing that his dismissal in 2018 was unjust and that the military failed to address his requests for compensation.
Appearing on Thursday before the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee at Parliament Buildings, Tonny Soya Muok, a former Navy officer, said he was reported as absent without official leave for 19 days in 2018, despite being hospitalised at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital at the time.
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Muok told the Committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, that his dismissal was unfair because he had informed his superiors about his health condition, but the matter was never considered.
“I was reported as absent without official leave when in reality I was admitted to the hospital. My dismissal was unjust,” he said.
He further explained that since his dismissal, he had sought redress from the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), which wrote to the KDF on his behalf, but the matter was never conclusively heard by the Military Disciplinary Unit.
Committee Vice Chairperson, also Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi, noted that under the Kenya Defence Forces Act, 2012, reinstatement of an officer can only be considered three years after dismissal and subject to a successful review.
“As a retired Major, I would advise you to pursue compensation for wrongful dismissal rather than reinstatement,” Bashir said, adding that Muok had already been out of service for seven years, making reinstatement impractical.
“Your case could still warrant consideration for payment of outstanding dues.”
Koech assured Muok that the Committee would engage the Ministry of Defence to seek clarity on the allegations, particularly regarding the reported non-payment of dues and the welfare of serving and retired officers.
He noted that Defence CS Soipan Tuya will appear before them to respond to the allegations raised.
“The Committee takes this matter seriously and will follow up with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that answers are provided,” he said.
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