The High Court has dealt a blow to former employees who raided Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) in a failed bid to take over after it denied them orders.
Two current employees who were part of the former workers and directors who had attempted to take-over KTDA had gone to court saying the current management was in office illegally.
They were also seeking contempt of court orders against the CEO Wilson Muthaura for seeking to take disciplinary action against them.
Appearing before Justice Manani of the Employment and Labour court lawyer for KTDA, Patrick Ngunjiri strenuously opposed the the submissions by the employees advocates who wanted he court to prioritise the hearing of the contempt application.
Ngunjiri urged the court to set aside the exparte orders on ground that that KTDA is lawfully mandated to commence the displinary proceedings against any errant employee.
Justice Manani agreed with Ngunjiri and declined to grant them orders and instead ordered all applications to be heard on 29th November 2021.
KTDA had begun disciplinary proceedings against Albert Otochi (MD KETEPA) and Japheth Sayi (GM KTPC) for taking part in the failed take over bid
The two had joined former directors led by former chairman Peter Kanyago when they raided KTDA headquarters claiming they were the bonafide official.
The brazen act was condemned by many among them Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who said the government would not allow a roll back on the tea reforms.
