Inspector General of Police David Kanja has been instructed to submit a file concerning a complaint made against Standard Media Group by a former employee.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), represented by Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Jacinta Nyamosi, has officially instructed Kanja to submit the file that contains a formal complaint lodged by Evelyn Kwamboka. This file is to be forwarded for careful review and further directions, ensuring that the matter is addressed appropriately and in accordance with legal protocols.
Kwamboka has publicly accused the directors of the Standard Group of failing to fulfill their financial obligations to her. This accusation comes after they declared her redundant over a year ago, leaving her without the dues she rightfully earned during her employment.
On December 4th, 2024, the complainant took the initiative to report the matter at the Industrial Area police station. Following the report, they were issued an official record, identified as OB No. 60/4/2024. This information was subsequently communicated in a letter from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) addressed to the Inspector General (IG) of the police.
The journalist, represented by her lawyer Kethi Kilonzo, had taken the significant step of formally writing to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In her correspondence, she issued a stern warning about the possibility of initiating private prosecution against the directors of the nation’s second largest circulating newspaper. This action was prompted by the newspaper’s failure to settle her outstanding dues, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding payment and accountability within the media industry.
Kwamboka, who was employed by Standard for more than two decades threatened to institute private prosecution against the firm’s directors, if the DPP failed to act.
The senior journalist is accusing Standard Group Limited for violating Section 17 (10) of the Employment Act.
“Should you fail to mount the criminal prosecution within the next 7 days we have instructions to seek leave of the Employment and Labour Relations Court to institute private criminal prosecution against the Directors of the Standard Group Limited pursuant to Article 157 (6) and (7) of the Constitution of Kenya, Section 88 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, and Section 28 of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act,” lawyer Kethi said in the letter to the DPP.
Kwamboka said she lodged a criminal complaint against the Standard Group Limited on 4th December 2024 at Industrial Area Police Station and was issued with an O.B number 60/4/2024.
“The complaint relates to the criminal offence committed by the Directors under Section 17 (10) of the Employment Act, for failing to make payment of dues owed to our client upon unlawfully declaring her redundant,” the demand letter added.
The company has been experiencing financial difficulties in the recent past and has delayed paying salaries to employees for months.
Standard Group also failed to honour pay promises made to former employees and agreeing on a redundancy programme.
