Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka has been asked to suspend the list of 88 casual workers absorbed recently by his government over incongruity.
The absorption of 88 workers by the Bungoma county Service Board has elicited mixed reactions across political divide, with leaders and civil societies pushing for immediate remedy over the ridiculous employment of 38 people from only one Sub- County ‘Mt Elgon’.
The remaining 8 Sub – counties shared 50 slots out of 88 with Mt. Elgon getting the lion’s share of 38 positions something that was not taken kindly by some groups of people.
The head of Bungoma County Public Service Board Gideon Sirai allegedly rewarded his kingpin sidelining other Bungoma residents, a move that has been condemned.
Sirai has been put on the spot and Bungoma people now wants him relived of his duties citing incompetence though he claimed that a majority of the claimed workers were absorbed from the defunct local government.
The County Bungoma County Public Service Board was sworn in on 23rd July 2013 after the Assembly had twice rejected Mr. Gideon Sirai (chairperson), Mrs. Elizabeth Wanyonyi,(secretary) Dr. Peter Khakina, Dr. Janet Manyasi and Rev. Peter Sikolia when their names were tabled before it for approval.
It took the Governor himself lobbying, cajoling and pampering Members of the County Assembly to approve the names on the third tabling.
The nepotism claims has sparkled issues with civil societies threatening to take the matter to the court to have the exercise done afresh.
In a heated debate on West Fm radio talk show Suala Nyeti, residents have now implored governor Lusaka to move in with haste and have the stalemate resolved.
They want governor Lusaka to dismiss the list and pave way for fresh recruitment.
John Wekesa Sudi from Lugari condemned the act, saying the heinous move has denied eligible competent young people job opportunities.
“This is nepotism at work, we are not going to condone such acts of impunity where leaders entrusted with the work of ensuring equity and transparency are robbing people a chance to better their lives through few available job opportunities coming with devolution” said the outraged Wekesa asking Lusaka to intervene the matter.
Wekesa also challenged governor Lusaka to intervene the situation and allow smooth flow of his government business saying he will be judged by what is happening now in the County in the coming polls.
Catechist Donald Wekesa appealed for investigations over the matter and have the list disbanded saying Nepotism has eaten up the society and strong headed leaded leaders must stand up and fight for the rights of the people they are representing in various capacities.
On his part Martin Nyongesa from Chepchoina lamented about rising cases of nepotism and segregation in counties, accusing leaders for rewarding their sycophants yet experienced youth are hustling around towns with papers due to lack of employment saying that such issues must be condemned.
Chris Nyongesa from Kakamega echoed sentiments from Bungoma people saying the same scandal is brewing in Kakamega County where leaders have rewarded their cronies forgetting their voters.
Nandemu Barasa a psychoanalyst challenged the locals to the bull by its horn and demonstrate over the issue saying it is their constitutional right to express their dissatisfaction over exercise.
Nandemu noted that time has come for leaders spearheading vices like nepotism and corruption to be dealt with and send home in the coming polls appealing to the locals to reject such incompetent masters.
“People should come out in abundance and protest over the matter to have new qualified personnel’s being brought on board instead of rewarding people from the same area” he said.
Bungoma residents have appealed to governor Lusaka to ensure the matter is solved to give qualified persons an opportunity to work.