Dr. Enock Warinda, the Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research and Development in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), has been suspended following serious allegations of sexual harassment and abuse.
The move by the ASARECA Board Chairperson Dr Kipyego Cheluget marks a significant escalation in a case that has reportedly been unfolding for months.
In a September 6 suspension letter addressed to Dr. Warinda. Dr. Kipyego detailed the Board’s decision to suspend him for one month with half pay. The suspension was enacted to allow a thorough investigation into allegations made by a female staff member, accusing Warinda of sexual harassment and exploitation.
The high-profile Board, consisting of Director Generals from National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) across 15 member states (Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Madagascar, Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo, Congo Brazavile, Cameroon, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia), took swift action.
Dr. Warinda is barred from the ASARECA Secretariat and prohibited from contacting any staff members or performing any official duties during the investigation period. The seriousness of the allegations has captured the attention of the organization’s extensive network.
The Allegations
Sources at ASARECA suggest that Dr. Warinda’s alleged misconduct began shortly after he assumed the role of Executive Director in 2021. Staff members claim that Warinda used his position to coerce a female employee into a sexual relationship.
When they refused, he would reportedly engage in retaliatory behaviour, creating a hostile and toxic work environment. Sources describe a climate of fear and intimidation, with Warinda purportedly isolating the victim and targeting those who associated with her.
The situation came to light in May 2023 when a whistleblower reported the harassment to the European Union, a major development partner of ASARECA The EU then engaged the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) to investigate the allegations.
The investigation, which started in June 2023, faced resistance from Warinda until the Board enforced compliance in July 2024.
Audit firm Deloitte & Touche was brought in to conduct a thorough inquiry from late July to August. Preliminary findings reportedly reveal substantial evidence supporting the allegations against Warinda.
Broader Allegations and Mismanagement
The investigation into Warinda has also uncovered additional troubling practices at the ASARECA Secretariat. Staff have accused him of various forms of misconduct, including:
- Financial Mismanagement: Warinda allegedly strained ASARECA’s relationship with the EU, a key donor.
- Intimidation and Manipulation: He is accused of using performance appraisals and contract renewals to pressure staff into unethical behavior.
- Fostering Division: Warinda purportedly pitted staff members against each other, creating an environment of distrust and hostility.
- Coercion and Mismanagement: Allegations include pressuring staff to discredit IFAD’s investigation and mishandling the selection process for the ASARECA Council of Patron Ministers.
- Cultural Insensitivity and Abuse: Reports also detail Warinda’s derogatory comments about staff nationalities and attempts to force religious practices on staff, which is seen as an infringement on religious diversity.
Further accusations include bizarre behavior such as sneaking into staff offices on weekends to deface the premises with oil, suggesting a disturbing disregard for professional decorum.
What’s Next for ASARECA?
The future of Dr. Warinda and the direction of ASARECA hang in the balance as the investigation continues. With less than a month left on his suspension, the Board’s final decision will be pivotal in determining the organization’s path forward.
The outcome of this case will not only affect ASARECA’s internal dynamics but could also have broader implications for its partnerships and operations across Eastern and Central Africa.
As the investigation unfolds, ASARECA faces a critical juncture in addressing these serious allegations and restoring trust within its ranks and with its stakeholders.
When contacted for a comment Dr Warinda declined to comment on the matter!.
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