- The EAPCC board rejects Bruno Obodha’s appointment as MD.
- Integrity and conflict of interest concerns were raised.
- Obodha had business dealings with the company that caused problems.
- Mohammed Osman Adan scored the highest in the recruitment process.
- Workers protested, shutting down the Athi River plant, but operations resumed.
The East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) board has rejected the appointment of Bruno Oguda Obodha as managing director, a position President Ruto had chosen for him. The board raised concerns over Obodha’s integrity and possible conflicts of interest.
The Integrity Concerns
At a meeting in Nairobi, the EAPCC board sent a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. They said Obodha’s business dealings with the company caused a conflict of interest. The board also mentioned that Obodha had been involved with companies accused of fraud and submitting fake documents for tenders.
The Recruitment Process
Obodha was not the top choice in the recruitment process. Mohammed Osman Adan scored 88.15%, while Obodha scored only 64%.
Worker Protests
After the appointment, EAPCC workers protested by shutting down the Athi River plant on December 23. The protest was about Obodha’s appointment, but the plant has since reopened.
The EAPCC board’s decision to reject Obodha’s appointment shows that there are serious concerns about his leadership. The protests and the integrity issues leave EAPCC at a critical point in deciding its next steps.
