The High Court Thursday temporarily suspended the disputed appointment of Ms Jacqueline Musyoki as the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation’s (NWCPC) managing director.

Justice Weldon Korir ruled that the hiring process was flawed and that Mr Oscar Juma Oyomba, who had filed the suit challenging the recruitment, had raised satisfying grounds to warrant the issuance of the halting orders until the dispute is fully resolved.

“In my view, the balance of convenience tilts in favour of halting the appointment. It is stated that Ms Musyoki has already been appointed as the CEO, a fact that does not change anything. The order issued will operate to freeze or suspend her appointment and the entire recruitment process is therefore arrested,” ruled Justice Korir.

By upholding Mr Oyomba’s claims, the judge dismissed an assertion by the Environment CS, that the agency’s operations were likely to be adversely affected by the absence of a substantive chief executive officer.

The judge pointed out that the contentious issue to be considered is whether the recruitment followed due process and that the suspension of Ms Musyoki would not affect operations because Mr Evans Ngibuini has been serving in acting capacity since last year.

The corporation had hired Masmec Limited to conduct interviews for that position. There were 47 applicants but the firm shortlisted nine candidates who were forwarded to the board.

Ms Musyoki was listed by the board alongside Ruth Mwaniki and Judah Abeka and their names were forwarded to the Environment CS.

The judge directed all the parties to file and exchange their case documents to facilitate an expeditious hearing on April 16.