Arusha, 20 January 2012: The Appellate Division of the EACJ today granted an adjournment in an Appeal case lodged by former employees of the defunct East African Community after their lawyer failed to show up. The Court set 16 March 2012 as the new date for hearing of the Appeal, while condemning the Appellant to pay costs for the adjournment.

Justices Harold Nsekela, President, Laurent Nzosaba and James Ogoola, granted the adjournment after Mr. Mutembei Marete, counsel for the Appellant in Emmanuel Mwakisha Mjawasi and 748 Others versus The Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya failed to appear in Court owing to academic commitments. Mr. Edmond Gichuru, Advocate, represented the Appellant.

The Appeal follows the dismissal by the regional court’s First Instance Division of a case lodged by the same claimants, totaling 749, where they alleged that as former employees of the East African Community which collapsed in 1977 the Kenyan Government had neglected, failed and/or refused to pay them pension and other benefits due to them for services they had rendered to the defunct EAC.

They aver that the continued refusal, neglect and/or failure by the Kenyan Government to pay their terminal benefits is contrary to Articles 6(d) and 7(2) of the Treaty and a violation of their rights under the human rights convention.

About the EACJ

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or the Court), is the judicial arm of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

Operationalized in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.

Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The High Courts of the Partner States serve as sub-registries.

For more information please contact:

Dr. John Ruhangisa, Registrar
Email: ruhangisa@eachq.org

Ms. Geraldine Umugwaneza, Deputy Registrar
Email: umugwaneza@eachq.org

Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs;
EAC Secretariat
Tel: +255 784 835021; Email: othieno@eachq.org

East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania
http://www.eacj.org