West Pokot senator accused of witch-hunt
Conflict is brewing up between West Pokot County officials and Senator John Lonyangapuo over a bill he sponsored in the senate set to change their term of service if passed.
The officials who are Sub County administrators and ward administrators have termed the bill malicious and politically motivated.
The proposed amendment bill 50, 51 and 25 of County government act 2012 seek to put County administrators on contract basis from permanent basis they are currently enjoying.
In a press briefing at County headquarters in Kapenguria, the administrators said the bill contravenes the Constitution that gives guidelines on management and recruitment of government employees.
Led by Pokot South administrator Martin Lotee, the officers said the move is aimed at undermining devolution and called on senators to shoot down what they call a draconian bill.
“This move is unconstitutional, malicious, selfish and politically motivated to render the administrators jobless after the 2017n general elections .let senator Lonyangpuo be reminded that we were competitively recruited by the County public service board,”
They said the senator has a hidden agenda through the bill since he wants to contest for the gubernatorial seat in 2017 and is a scheme to reward is political supporters.
They accused the senator of frequently demining the leadership of the County due to his selfish political interests.
They further accused Senator Lonyangapuo has been inciting locals and misinforming them on the County development to seek cheap political mileage.
“The amendments if enacted will undermine the fundamental rights of the ward and sub county administrators as guaranteed in chapter four of bill of rights,” reads the statement.
However the administrators threatened to seek court redress if the bill is passed since the senate has no power on recruitment of civil servants.
“We have talked with the Council of governors and also engaged our lawyers on the matter. If it goes through we will challenge it to ensure our rights are protected,” said Lotee.
Lotee said they have organized for an urgent meeting in Nairobi for all administrators to deliberate on the matter and chant way forward.
Mnagei ward administrator Lilian Lamasia said devolution has greatly helped residents of West Pokot and called on the senator to shelve his bill.
“Some of our have been employed for the first time it’s when our children can eat bread but this bill will be a setback and turn the County government into a one man show,” said Limasia.
