The National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has feted John Muthoni, a 2NK Sacco driver who was sacked after reporting inebriated high school students to the police, for efforts in fighting substance abuse in society.
The minors were smoking bhang and drinking alcohol in his matatu while traveling from Nyeri to Nairobi for their mid-term break last month.
While speaking at the Nyeri Governor’s office, Nacada boss Victor Okioma issued the former 2NK Sacco employee with a certificate and described his actions as exemplary.
He also noted that it was unfair that he was condemned instead of receiving praise after the incident.
“Of late, we have received many reports of children abusing drugs while travelling back to school and we want to encourage all drivers to follow this example,” said Mr Okioma.
According to the Nacada boss, Mr Muthoni was justified in driving the minors to Sagana Police Station.
But the intoxicated group of 14 teens allegedly jumped out of the moving vehicle before the driver could reach the reporting desk.
Hired by county
Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who hosted the Nacada boss, said the county had hired him on temporary contract.
“After the expiry of the contract we will offer him a permanent job as a driver for the county government,” said Mr Kahiga.
So as to help locals dealing with drug addiction in the county, he said the county, in conjunction with Nacada, is constructing a rehabilitation centre in Ihururu town.
Muthoni was reportedly sacked by the 2NK Sacco following the incident that happened on November 17.
After the students seven boys and seven girls, jumped out of the vehicle before they were arrested, some bags and a bottle of alcohol were recovered from the vehicle.
But the sacco management has since dismissed claims that they fired him because of the incident, saying he was facing other disciplinary issues.
The sacco event accused the Mr Muthoni of defrauding the organisation Sh2,100 by failing to remit the fare charged to the students.
As a result of his termination, Mr Muthoni, in a letter dated December 8, 2021 written to 2NK Sacco, is demanding a total of Sh2.16 million as compensation for the unfair cessation of employment.
Through lawyer Munga Ndichu, Mr Muthoni also is also demanding the withdrawal of the sacco’s statement accusing him of fraud and dishonesty, terming it as defamatory.
He has threatened to move to court if he is not paid Sh276,472 as compensation for unlawful termination and Sh115,197 and Sh288,080 for unpaid leave and rest days for the last five years.
He is further demanding Sh1.14 million as underpayment, Sh207,354 house allowance, Sh115,197 as service pay and Sh23,039 as payment in lieu of notice.
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