Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has dismissed County Secretary Wambati Wakoli and his deputy Isaac Mukenya.
Speaking while addressing a press at the County Headquarters, Lusaka linked the dismissal of the two to gross misconduct and violation of the law.
“When I assumed office, I swore to uphold the rule of law and govern in accordance with the constitution of Kenya at all times. You are all aware of the glaring irregularities and inconsistencies that existed in the County government of Bungoma by the time I took over office. To address those irregularities and inconsistencies, I constituted a task force that looked into the issues and came up with a raft of recommendations that led to the interdiction of the County Secretary, Deputy County Secretary, County attorney and 5 Chief Officers,” recounted Lusaka
The Governor pointed out that the said officers were interdicted but moved to court trying to block the process but lost with the courts pronouncing that it had no jurisdiction to stop the County boss from carrying his administrative duties.
He said after the case ruling, he appointed a team to deal with administrative issues of the five officers but unfortunately Mukenya and Wambati rebelled causing chaos during the hearings amounting to gross misconduct.
“The committee summoned the said officers to appear for hearing with effect from 11th July 2023 at Mabanga ATC. The Deputy County Secretary was slated for hearing on 12th July 2023 at 12.00 noon while the County Secretary was slated for 13th July 2023 at 9.00AM.
On 11th and 12th July 2023, the two officers (County Secretary & Deputy County Secretary) appeared at Mabanga ATC and caused disruption of the disciplinary proceedings making it difficult for the committee to carry out its mandate,” he said
Citing the constitution, the County boss said he had no option but to fire the two officers for gross misconduct.
“Their conduct is unprofessional, uncouth, unacceptable and contrary to the requirements of chapter six of the constitution of Kenya 2010 on leadership and integrity, Article 10 on national values and principles of governance and article 232 on values and principles of public service. These acts amount to gross misconduct and insubordination, ” noted County boss
The disciplinary hearings of the other interdicted Chief Officers will proceed and the decision communicated once the process is complete.
The County boss further called on relevant investigative authorities to swing into action and investigate whether government money was lost in the misconduct they engaged in.
“I invite the investigative agencies to swing into action to investigate on whether government resources were lost in the misconduct of the dismissed officers,” said Lusaka.
The Governor further stated that the halted interviews for medical officers will proceed at a date to be communicated.
“Following a meeting with the County Public Service Board, it has been decided that the halted interviews for medical personnel will proceed at a date to be communicated.” He promised.
