In a landmark judgment that underscores the supremacy of the law and accountability in public service, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret has found three senior Uasin Gishu County officials guilty of contempt for defying court orders protecting Dr. Tito Koiyet, the City Manager and Accounting Officer of the City of Eldoret.
Justice Maureen Onyango ruled that the three officials — Micah Rogony, County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning; Ambrose Tarus, who was the Acting County Secretary at the time; and Sila Rono, Acting Secretary of the County Public Service Board — willfully disobeyed a court order issued on November 26, 2024.
Despite the directive, the officials proceeded to strip Dr. Koiyet of his powers on February 17, 2025, an act the court has now deemed illegal and contemptuous. Dr. Koiyet filed the contempt proceedings shortly afterward, accusing the officials of orchestrating a calculated move to undermine the court's authority and sabotage his role.
In her ruling, Justice Onyango said the actions of the officials demonstrated "blatant disregard for the rule of law" and set a dangerous precedent if left unchecked. "No official, regardless of rank, is above the law," she said.
Dr. Koiyet urged the court to impose a minimum sentence of six months' imprisonment, arguing that only a custodial sentence would sufficiently deter future violations by public officials.
The sentencing hearing is set for May 14, 2025. Should the trio be sentenced to jail, they will automatically forfeit their public positions. Furthermore, under Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, they will be permanently barred from holding any public office again — a move that would mark a dramatic end to their public service careers.
This ruling is expected to send a strong message across Kenya’s public sector that court orders must be obeyed and accountability must be upheld at all levels.
The final judgment and sentencing will be delivered in just under two weeks, and the nation will be watching closely.
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