A driver who lost his job for dating a co-worker has been awarded Ksh790,398 in damages by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
In a ruling delivered by Judge Stella Rutto, the court found that the dismissal of the claimant, Domini M., in May 2024 was unlawful, citing a lack of proper substantive determination.
The claimant had sued his employer after being terminated for reportedly having a romantic relationship with one of the NGO’s beneficiaries.
Man Fired for Dating Coworker Wins Ksh790K in Court. Photo: Courtesy.
He told the court that he was first summoned by the human relations department following inquiries from the woman involved.
The court awarded Domini one month’s salary, Ksh87,822, in lieu of notice, and compensatory damages of Ksh702,576, equivalent to eight months of his gross salary, bringing the total award to Ksh790,398.
The court also ordered that the driver be reimbursed for the legal costs he incurred during the lawsuit.
According to the claimant, his troubles began after the woman he had been dating visited his office following his transfer and his decision to end communication with her.
He was subsequently issued a show-cause letter requiring him to respond to allegations of engaging in a sexual relationship with an adult community member in Mutumo.
The driver maintained that the relationship was fully consensual and lawful, and that no complaints of harassment or exploitation had ever been made.
Court records noted that their three-year relationship had proceeded without incident.
He further argued that his rights were violated when he was compelled to disclose intimate details of a private relationship with a consenting adult.
In court, the woman testified that her visit to the office had been to request his contact out of concern, and that any hostility she encountered came from others holding a personal grudge against him.
She confirmed that their relationship had been consensual, lawful, and free of misconduct throughout its duration.
