Former Nyamira County Health Minister Timothy Ombati has filed a lawsuit against County Governor Amos Nyaribo for wrongfully dismissing him from office.
Ombati was fired as County Executive Officer when allegations of drug theft and manipulation of finances surfaced.
The governor accused the health executive of embezzling public monies set aside for the procurement of hospital supplies.
Ombati, on the other hand, claims that he was never given a fair hearing on the grounds that justified his termination, and that the termination was carried out in flagrant violation of his rights and the standards of natural justice.
“That also key to the petition is the fact that the prominent reason for termination is alleged embarrassment to the governor which reasons he says that is not contemplated in the County government act as warranting the summary dismissal from service of a CEO,” reads court papers
He claims that his dues have been withheld without explanation. He now wants the court to overturn the Governor’s decision and give orders to the Governor to reinstate him to his post.
In his appeal, Ombati claims that they had an amicable relationship when he was in office since he faithfully executed his duties.
Through lawyer Danstan Omari he claims that MEDS were tasked in supplying the county with drugs worth Ksh.22 million and a payment voucher as set out by the county.
“The said process was approved by the relevant bodies namely procurement officers, Chief officers and the finance department eventually dispatched payment, “ reads court papers.
