Eacc fights to ouster NGAAF CEO Telewa over graft claims as court bars his forced exit
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has moved to have National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) Chief Executive Officer Roy Sasaka Telewa suspended from office, even as the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) stepped in to temporarily block any attempt to force him out.
In a letter dated January 12, 2026, addressed to Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot, the EACC said it is conducting investigations into Telewa’s wealth and other matters relating to financial administration at NGAAF. The probe is being carried out under several laws, including the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (2003), the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2009), and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (2015).
The letter, signed by EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud, disclosed that the commission conducted searches on January 8 at Telewa’s residence and office after obtaining court-issued warrants. According to the EACC, the operation led to the recovery of several documents and pieces of information relevant to the ongoing investigations.
Citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need to protect the integrity of the inquiry, the commission recommended that Telewa be suspended from office for six months.
The EACC relied on provisions of the Leadership and Integrity Act (2012), particularly Section 42(7), which allows the suspension of a state officer where it is considered necessary pending the determination of allegations. It also referenced Regulation 25 of the Leadership and Integrity Regulations (2015), which permits suspension once investigations have been initiated, with an affected officer entitled to half pay during the suspension period.
Further justification was drawn from the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics (2016), which allows the suspension of a public officer facing allegations while an inquiry is ongoing.
The commission emphasized its mandate under the Leadership and Integrity Act to require public institutions to take steps necessary to enforce ethical standards.
Responsibility for acting on the recommendation was placed on the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, under which NGAAF operates. The letter was copied to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and the NGAAF Board chairperson.
However, on January 13, 2026, the ELRC issued conservatory orders halting any move to suspend or remove Telewa. Lady Justice Jemimah Wanza Keli certified Telewa’s application as urgent and barred the NGAAF Board, the Gender Cabinet Secretary and other respondents from proceeding with any meeting or process aimed at his removal.
The court also restrained them from appointing an acting or substantive CEO or otherwise interfering with Telewa’s tenure pending the hearing of the case.
“That pending the hearing of this application and the court is further pleased to issue a temporary conservatory order restraining the Respondents whether by themselves, their agents, servants or any person acting under their authority, from suspending, removing, terminating or purporting to terminate the Petitioner’s contract of service; convening, directing, influencing or acting upon any Board meeting or process aimed at his removal; appointing or retaining any person in an acting or substantive capacity as CEO of NGAAF; or in any other manner interfering with the Applicant’s lawful tenure and functions as CEO,” Justice Keli ordered.
The orders were issued pending the hearing of the application inter partes on January 21, 2026. The court directed that the application be served for response within seven days and issued a penal notice warning that disobedience of the orders would result in consequences for those involved.
