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A lobby group has moved to court to challenge the appointment of Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) Chairperson Wangai Ndirangu.

According to Sheria Mtaani, Wangai Ndirangu was illegally appointed in 2019 as he held another public office as a lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Transport Cabinet Secretary and KeNHA have been named as respondents in the suit for appointing Ndirangu.

“Pending inter-parties hearing this court be pleased to issue a conservatory order temporarily suspending the gazette notice issued in 2019 appointing Ndirangu as chairperson of the Board of KenHA,” court papers read in part.

KeNHA board member

Through lawyer Dorcas Mwae, the lobby group notes that Ndirangu was appointed to the board of KeNHA to be a member of the board for a period of three years with effect from November 12, 2019.

However, his appointment is a nullity because he is a public officer since he is working as a lecturer.

“He should vacate office and his current conduct should be held as a contravention of the law,” the group argued.

It is their contention that the Ndirangu was still employed by JKUAT in civil engineering department at the time of his appointment.

Sheria Mtaani argued that Ndirangu by virtue of his current position is not qualified to serve in the board of KeNHA and his office ought to be declared vacant and a new member appointed.

The case will now be heard on June 6 at the Employment and Labour Relations court.