Nairobi – Moi University faces another blow in its legal battle with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Court Orders Freeze on Moi University’s Bank Account
On Monday, November 18, the Milimani Labour Relations Court issued a garnishee order mandating the recovery of KSh 53.5 million owed. A garnishee order is a court directive compelling a third party to redirect funds owed to a debtor to settle a creditor’s debt.
Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa confirmed that her order would remain in effect as the applications are set to be mentioned on November 19.
“This honourable Court be pleased to order that the garnishee order be made absolute to pay a sum of KSh 53.5 million to the Petitioner. I note that this order has an error and is amended accordingly to read that the order granted is the garnishee order being prayer No. b and not No 5 as the order,” Justice Wasilwa ruled.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) revealed that the issue stemmed from Moi University’s refusal to grant enhanced allowances to five doctors following the 2022 union strike.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah stated that the university defied court orders by failing to compensate the five medics as directed.
“60 days lapsed, and we proceeded to file a Garnishee order, which was granted by the courts. The Garnishee order means the money will be deducted directly from Moi Universities National Bank account to pay the doctors. The account remains frozen until the funds are paid,” KMDU said.
As @kmpdu, we remain committed to leaving no doctor behind!
In 2022, Moi University deliberately excluded 5 doctors from the enhanced call allowance, despite the Return to Work Formula (RTWF) adopted in court. This injustice could not stand.
The court calculated Ksh. 53M owed… pic.twitter.com/b00dLfKpK1
— Davji Bhimji Atellah (@Davji) November 19, 2024
Why Did Moi University Buy Donkeys and Dogs?
Moi University continues to grapple with severe financial difficulties that have disrupted its operations and tarnished its reputation.
A prolonged lecturers’ strike led to the indefinite closure of the institution a month ago, further worsening the crisis. Controversial measures taken to cut costs and boost revenue have only added to the institution’s woes.
In a recent interview with TV47 on Sunday, November 17, a whistleblower alleged that the university purchased 11 donkeys to replace tractors previously used for ploughing. The decision was reportedly due to the university’s inability to afford fuel for the tractors.
This revelation has sparked widespread debate, reflecting the depths of the financial turmoil at the once-prestigious institution.