The High Court has issued orders stopping the elections of the president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi said no ballot papers should be printed and distributed for the purposes of conducting elections for the said position.
"Pending the hearing inter parties of this application, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from conducting the polls, swearing in or carrying out any activities to fill the declared position," he said.
The judge issued the order following an application filed by Joseph Kathare.
Kathare is the current vice president of the society.
He claims to have received a notice from the society declaring various vacancies at the national and branches including that of the president.
He subsequently declared his interest in vying for the president slot.
He filed his application which was accompanied by duly filled and signed nomination forms only for the same to be rejected.
"I was shocked to learn that my application was declined based on various flimsy grounds and I immediately responded and sought to appeal against the entire decision," he said.
He lodged the appeal which was subsequently dismissed. He claims the same was done without his participation in the matter.
He had sought for time to enable him to prepare for the appeal but the same was declined.
He has faulted the respondents for denying him a fair hearing.
"Unless these orders are granted, I will stand to suffer a gross violation of my rights as a fully paid up and compliant member of the society. I will be locked out of the upcoming elections without any recourse," he said.
Those sued in the case are the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya and the National Elections Board of the society.
Judge Mugambi directed responses be filed and served within three days.
Further directions will be issued on December 2.
