Nairobi News

A female security guard  sacked by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on allegations of mistreating Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport now wants a compensation of Sh40.9 million.

In her amended memorandum of claim filed at Nyeri Labour Relations Court, Daizy Cherogony indicates that her dismissal was wrongful, illegal and an act that undermines the security of the Kenyan aviation industry.

Her employment was terminated on May 11, 2017 for mistreating and humiliating the Education CS by requiring him to queue for a security check like other passengers which almost led him to miss his flight.

DISMISSAL LETTER

Ms Cherogony, 37, was issued with a dismissal letter signed by Managing director Jonny Aderson on grounds of misconduct.

The CS was flying to Kisumu in the evening of April 5, 2017 and was accompanied by his security detail.

Mr Matiang’i, Ms Cherogony said, did not want to follow the queues and wanted special treatment despite the fact that it was raining and other passengers were complaining as the lines were increasing.

She indicated that according to the security manual, cabinet secretaries usually queue like normal passengers unless they have special passes which need them to have special arrangements before they arrive at the airport to board flights.

She faulted the KAA saying her sacking was an act of undermining the aviation regulatory framework, Kenyan and international law in which the authority operates under.

Through Matundura Advocates, Ms Cherogony wants court to compel KAA compensate her, explaining that she is entitled to damages for wrongful dismissal and unfair termination of employment.

She wants Sh128,916 for payment in lieu of notice monthly salary, Sh1,547,001 for wrongful termination, Sh116,720 for unpaid salary increment as per the collective bargaining agreement.

LOSS OF CAREER

She is also seeking a house allowance increment payment of Sh60,000, Sh43,137 for leave, Sh545,380 for unpaid holidays, Sh2,965,068 for punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages for loss of career prospects and Sh35,580,816 damages for loss of employment up to retirement age of 60 years.

Initially she wanted a Sh2.4 million compensation.

Ms Cherogony said the KAA has refused to compensate her, despite making several demands and notice to sue having been issued.

She wants the court to declare that her right to fair labour practices under Article 41 (1) of the constitution were violated by the employer.

She also wants the court to rule that subjecting Mr Matiang’i to security screening did not amount to gross misconduct since it was the normal procedures.

“The dismissal does not only affect her but also all security personel at the airports in Kenya who may be reluctant to follow the law and security procedures when dealing with VIP travelers and their escorts for fear of losing their jobs,” argues Ms Cherogony.

ATTACKS FROM TERRORISTS

She further contends that the KAA’s move may expose the country’s security and the entire world to risks of attacks from terrorists and other extremist groups from within and outside the country.

She added that for the 11 years she had worked the JKIA she has never been subjected to any disciplinary proceedings, given any warning letters or committed any act of misconduct.

She said the airport management accused her a wrongdoing which never existed since she was doing her job as a security supervisor.

Ms Cherogony added that she was never shown any complaint written by the Education CS saying the dismissal was victimization and discrimination by the employer.

Ms Cherogony indicated that she has previously been assaulted and intimidated by VIPs who usually want to access the airport without going through security checks.

“I have always stood my ground and performed job as per the security manuals and as required by both Kenyan and International law for the security of the travelers and the safety of all Kenyans,” she noted.

On August 31 2015, she indicates, KAA promoted her to the position of security supervisor Grade S.5 from the position of senior warden which was promoted to in 2009 following a job evaluation exercise.

The case will be mentioned on September 19, 2017.