Epra boss in fresh term challenge

A petitioner has filed a notice of appeal against a court ruling which paved way for the re-appointment of Pavel Oimeke as director-general of the Energy, Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (Epra).

Emmanuel Wanjala said he was dissatisfied with Justice Hellen Wasilwa’s decision to dismiss his earlier application against the official for lack of merit.

“Take notice that the petitioner herein being dissatisfied with the judgement and order given by Hon Justice Hellen Wasilwa, intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the whole of the said judgment and order thereof,” he said.

Dismissing the case, Justice Wasilwa last month said the petition had been overtaken by events since Epra board had already renewed the director-general’s term for three years.

She noted that Mr Oimeke applied to be reappointed as CEO in January. The application was considered in March and accepted in May, three months to the expiry of Mr Oimeke’s term.

“It is therefore true that at the time the petition was filed the issue of the reappointment of the 1st respondent (Oimeke) had already been considered and concluded,” the judge said.

Justice Wasilwa also dismissed a prayer for the court to compel Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate alleged claims of loss of funds, saying the anti-graft agency is an independent body, which cannot be compelled to act.

Mr Wanjala had challenged the re-appointment arguing it should be subjected to a competitive process. He also claimed that Mr Oimeke was not qualified to head the agency, a claim Mr Oimenke denying citing academic credentials.

He also dismissed claims of losses, wastage or misappropriation of public funds under his watch.