Two years after her reinstatement through a contentious High Court order, Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK) CEO, Irene Mureithi is facing a renewed ouster attempt by powerful State House forces who want her kicked out over endemic corruption at the government agency.
In 2019, Ms Mureithi was sent on compulsory leave following adverse media reports and a subsequent public outcry on the alleged massive violation of children’s rights housed in CWSK facilities.
The decision to send her on compulsory leave came after the Ministry of Labour formed a task force to look into allegations that she oversaw corruption and misappropriation of funds.
Weeks after her suspension, drama ensued at the CWSK offices after angry employees tried to eject their CEO Irene Mureithi from office, claiming she was still transacting business despite being barred from office.
They accused her of reducing the society to a one-man show, where other key staff are not involved in the running of the organization’s activities.
There were also reports of senior managers doing business with the society, which is a contravention of the law.
Despite all these scathing allegations, Ms Mureithi somehow found her way back at the helm through the suspected help of influential cronies in the past government.
Insiders say that a section of top officials in the current administration view this as yet another grave mistake that was overlooked during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime and have vowed to ensure it is fixed.
A plot is now in place to revive all her links to corruption and abuse of human rights, which will set the stage for her subsequent sacking.
They tasked with pushing for her ouster say that CWSK is a cash cow for powerful individuals in government and Ms Mureithi has been their channel for looting.
“The President should intervene and send away Irene and protect the lives of those innocent children as well as the society,” one reliable source told us under the request of anonymity.
Panic has now gripped the CWSK Board of Trustees after they learnt that a Kenya Kwanza top decision-making organ has demanded that all managers involved be shown the door alongside the CEO.
Some members of the board have already distanced themselves from Ms Mureithi in preparation for the oncoming storm.
They insist she must carry her own cross.
Employees withholding information on corruption activities in the society have been encouraged to report to relevant government authorities in order to help with the impeding investigations.
