Court Stops Vetting of Governor Jama’s Chief Officer Nominees 

Garissa county governor Nathif Jama has suffered a major setback after a court suspended approval hearing of all his nominees for the positions of chief officers.

High Court Judge, Mr Justice John Nyabuto Onyiego stopped the County Assembly of Garissa from vetting 30 nominees who were picked by the governor for the positions until a suit before court is heard and determined.

In the suit filed under certificate of agency by three parties, the Judge issued a conservatory order staying and suspending the consideration, vetting and approval of the nominees.

The court also issued another conservatory order barring the appointment and assumption of Office of Chief Officer by all the nominees until the matter is determined.

Mr Justice Onyiego granted the orders on Wednesday, 15 April, 2024 following an application by Kaltuma Ahmed, Mohamed Hassan and Ayan Mohamed.

The petitioners have named the County Assembly, Clerk of the County Assembly, the governor, the County Secretary and the County Public Service Board as respondents in the matter.

The court directed the petitioners to serve the respondents within two days. The respondents were allowed four days to respond to the application, upon being served.

Upon receiving response filed by the respondents, the Judge directed the applicants to file their rejoinder with two days.

He further directed that both the petitioners and responds will be at liberty to file their skeleton submissions to the suit.

Justice Onyiego fixed the suit for interpartes hearing on 23 May, 2024.