The East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) board refused to ratify the appointment of Bruno Oguda Obodha as the new Managing Director.
During a board meeting held on Friday at the company’s Nairobi offices, the board communicated to the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment its concerns regarding Obodha’s appointment, citing integrity issues and potential conflicts of interest.
In a letter signed by the board Chairman, Brig (Rtd) Richard Mbithi, the board referenced several emerging issues related to Circular Ref No. OP/CAB.9/1A dated 20th April 2022, issued by the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Public Service. The letter indicated that the appointee had been conducting business with Portland and had been implicated in fraud.
“Whereas EAPCC appointed M/s Geoner Systems & Massel Real Property on 22nd December 2023 as a selling agent for a portion of LR No. 10424, which is currently ongoing, it is noted that Mr Bruno Obodha is a director of the company, presenting a conflict of interest that should have been addressed during the interview,” the letter stated.
It further noted, “Whereas EAPCC floated tender No. EAPCCPLC/OT/340/2024 dated 23rd October 2024 for the provision of security services, M/s Brumec International Security Company Limited submitted a bid that included forged documents. It is noted that Mr Obodha is a director of the company.”
The board distanced itself from any blame, stating that when it submitted three names for consideration, it was not aware of the aforementioned red flags, which have negative implications for the business as a listed entity on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
During a board of directors meeting held at the company’s office at Taj Towers on Friday, 22nd November 2024, Mr Mohammed Osman Adan was identified as the best candidate with a score of 88.15 percent, while Mr Bruno Oguda Obodha came second with 64 percent, followed closely by Dr Justa Mwangi, who scored 63.86 percent.
On 23rd December, EAPCC workers protested against Mr Obodha’s appointment by shutting down the company’s Athi River plant. Operations at the plant have since resumed
By KBC Digital
