NSSF board backs Tom Odongo's ouster as CEO

National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of trustees has thrown its weight behind Labour Secretary Mr Kazungu Kambi on his decision to sack the managing trustee Tom Odongo.

The board met on July 24, two days after Mr Odongo was sacked, and ratified Mr Kambi’s decision and appointment of Corporation Secretary as the acting managing trustee.

The letter filed presented at Industrial Court shows that the meeting was attended by six members. The six are the Chairman Mr Adan Mohamed, federation of Kenya Employers representative Jacqueline Mugo, Finance secretary Mutua Kilaka, COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli.

Others in attendance were Cleopa Mailu and Fred Rabongo.

“The Board of trustees National Social Security Fund at a special meeting held on July 24 resolved to accept the decision of the Cabinet Secretary to terminate the contract of Mr Tom Odongo, the managing director and appointed the corporation secretary to act until further notice,” states the letter.

Mr Odongo moved to Industrial Court challenging Mr Kambi’s decision to fire him. He claims that Labour Secretary Kazungu Kambi has no powers to fire him

He also says Mr Kambi’s decision was arbitrary and did not involve the board of trustees to whom he was answerable as chief executive.

On Thursday, the Industrial Court directed NSSF not to commence the process of filling the position pending the ruling on the preliminary objection raised by NSSF slated for August 12.

NSSF through lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi had asked the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the minister had exercised his power derived from law and as per the contract signed by Mr Odongo.