Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has reinstated Finance County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Catherine Mutanu after a court suspended the implementation of her dismissal.
The governor announced the decision on Monday, saying she had received the court order earlier in the day and would comply with it as the matter progresses through the judicial process.
"As a law-abiding citizen, I respect the rule of law and will fully comply with the court order as the matter proceeds through the judicial process," Wavinya said in a statement.
She subsequently directed Mutanu to resume her duties as the CECM for Finance with immediate effect pending the hearing and determination of the case challenging her removal.
"I have therefore directed Hon. Catherine Mutanu to resume her duties as CECM for Finance with immediate effect pending the hearing and determination of the case. I wish Hon. Catherine Mutanu all the best as she discharges her duties," the governor said.
The reinstatement comes a week after Wavinya dismissed Mutanu from the county executive through a letter dated July 6, citing powers granted under Section 31(a) of the County Governments Act. The dismissal took immediate effect but did not state the reasons for her removal.
Mutanu was removed from office just hours before she was scheduled to appear before the Machakos County Assembly to respond to an impeachment motion. Following the decision, Machakos County Secretary and Head of Public Service Muya Ndambuki formally notified the Assembly of the governor’s action.
Mutanu later moved to court to challenge the dismissal, prompting the issuance of orders suspending its implementation pending the hearing and determination of the case.
She filed a petition at the Machakos High Court against Governor Wavinya Ndeti and the Machakos County Government.
Justice Josephine Mong’are directed the respondents to file their response to the petition within seven days and issued conservatory orders blocking the enforcement of Mutanu’s dismissal.
The orders effectively allow Mutanu to remain in office as Machakos County’s Finance CECM until the court determines the matter.
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