By Wilfridah Murenga
Vincent Chepkwony, a security guard at Java House Kimathi Street, who got fired for protecting and shielding members of the public from harm during the anti-finance Bill demonstrations has been reinstated.
Vincent has subsequently been awarded the highest commendation and recognition for a private security officer in Kenya by The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA).
“The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is pleased to announce the immediate reinstatement of Mr. Vincent Chepkwony, a private security officer who demonstrated exceptional bravery during the recent protests at Java House, Kimathi Street, Nairobi,” said Fazul Mahamed, the PSRA CEO.
“We commend Mr. Chepkwony for his outstanding service and express our gratitude for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” he added.
This comes after the PRSA intervened following his dismissal by conducting a consultative meeting on Tuesday with Mr. Chepkwony and his employer Hatari Security Services, following an uproar by the public.
The meeting was aimed at conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his termination and finding a just resolution.
“In light of the public concerns following Mr. Chepkwony’s dismissal by Hatari Security, PSRA convened a consultative meeting today. The meeting, attended by Mr. Chepkwony and Mr. Stephen Mwangi, the Managing Director of Hatari Security, aimed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his termination and seek a fair resolution,” stated PSRA.
According to the authority, the meeting bore fruits as Mr. Chepkwony’s actions were found to be heroic, patriotic, and commendable, thus deserving a promotion rather than dismissal from his duties.
The Private Security and Regulatory Authority further directed Hatari Security Limited to immediately reinstate Mr. Chepkwony to his position as a security guard and awarded him the highest commendation and recognition for a Private Security Officer in Kenya.
Additionally, the authority highlighted that his reinstatement is a clear indication of the fundamental principles that support the private security sector in Kenya.