Sexual Harrasment Employee Sues Standard Chartered Bank For 45.6Millions.

As reported by Daily Nation.

A former bank employee wants Sh45.6 million in compensation for alleged sexual harassment by her boss.

Ms Jane Gichuki, 33, said she was forced to quit her job as a portfolio manager with Standard Chartered Bank because she could not withstand the conduct of her immediate boss, Mr Ben Muchina.

She termed his body language as “suggestive”, which made her uncomfortable during the two years she worked at the bank. “I was continually intimidated and subjected to sexual harassment. He also made statements about Kenyan women that suggested his sexual interest,” she said.

The former manager said she turned down unsolicited offers to meet her boss for drinks after working hours.

She is seeking payment for loss of earnings for 20 years she could have worked for the bank before attaining the mandatory retirement age of 55 and medical and counselling expenses amounting to Sh45,655,000.

Ms Gichuki has named Mr Muchina, an expatriate from Zimbabwe, and the Standard Chartered Bank as the defendants. Lawyer Chacha Odera, for the bank, said the allegations had been denied and would put the plaintiff to strict proof on the same.

Ms Gichuki alleged that her former boss insinuated to her that she would obtain a favorable appraisal at work if she gave in to his sexual advances.

She asserted that due to her boss’ actions and victimization occasioned by the bank, she “suffered psychologically” and had to get medical treatment.

She blamed the bank for failing to take action even after she repeatedly lodged complaints and that it failed to recognize her outstanding achievements by giving her a poor performance rating in 2006.

But the bank set up a tribunal on June 12, 2007, to investigate her allegations, which she said did not apply to her since she had resigned from their employment on June 5, 2007. Lady Justice Ruth Sitati yesterday adjourned the hearing to January 25, 2011, for the bank to be served with the suit documents.

The amount of money Ms Jane Gichuki wants to be paid in compensation for alleged sexual harassment.

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