Kituo Cha Sheria, a prominent Kenyan legal aid and human rights organization, is embroiled in controversy as its acting executive director, John Mwariri, faces accusations of corruption and witch-hunting.
On December 31, 2024, Mwariri and board chairman Justus Munyithya, who also lectures at the Kenya School of Law, dismissed five senior officers who had served the organization for over two decades under questionable circumstances. Sources claim that these dismissals were part of a broader strategy where Mwariri allegedly replaced long-serving staff with individuals from KSL, referred to derogatorily as “slay queens,” suggesting favoritism based on personal relationships rather than merit.
Further allegations surfaced concerning the termination of contracts for 18 staff members in late 2023 and April 2024. These terminations reportedly lacked legal justification, proper notification, or adequate compensation, contravening both organizational policy and legal standards.
In response, some of the affected employees have threatened legal action to challenge their dismissals. They argue that the recruitment of new staff focuses on personal connections rather than professional qualifications, despite the official reason for terminations being cited as a lack of funds.
The staff whose contracts were terminated have appealed to the board, but their pleas have gone unanswered, a particularly disturbing situation for an institution that champions human rights. This has instilled a climate of fear among the remaining employees, who are apprehensive about their job security.
The tension culminated in a demonstration by paralegals and community members associated with Kituo Cha Sheria, leading to their arrest at Kilimani Police Station. They were later released after their concerns were heard by the police.
These incidents of mismanagement have fueled allegations of conflict of interest among board members, who are accused of handling cases for the organization while potentially misusing donor funds for personal gain. Additionally, there are claims of discriminatory practices affecting staff salaries, which could be subject to further investigation.
This situation at Kituo Cha Sheria highlights a critical need for civil society organizations to uphold the same standards of transparency, accountability, and justice that they advocate for in governmental entities. It’s imperative for such organizations to lead by example, ensuring their operations reflect the principles they promote.
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