REUBEN IKATWA & 17 OTHERS V. COMMANDING OFFICER BRITISH ARMY TRAINING UNIT KENYA & BRITISH ARMY TRAINING UNIT KENYA

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

1. The appellants were employed on divers dates as Locally Engaged Civilians (LECs) by the 2^nd respondent. They were engaged as drivers and mechanics under indefinite contracts which were regulated by the 2^nd respondent’s standing orders, the locally engaged civilian regulations (the regulations) and the Kenyan law. On aggregate, the appellants had served for a period ranging between 3 years and 15 years prior to their dismissal.

2. It appears that the LECs had issues with the 2^nd respondent’s Chief of Staff, one Major Strudwick, who they complained was high handed. Through their union, the Works Council, and the LECs on 10^th May, 2012 petitioned for the removal of Major Strudwick from office. The 1^st respondent vide a response dated 24^th October, 2012 indicated that the claims against the said officer were unsubstantiated and dismissed the petition.

3. According to the appellants, that was the beginning of their woes. By a letter dated 12^th February, 2013 Major Str…