Lusaka Finally sacks two senior officers for alleged gross misconduct

Mt Elgon, Thursday, July 13, 2023

KNA by Douglas Mudambo

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on Wednesday announced the sacking of County Secretary Wambati Wakoli and his deputy Isaac Mukenya accusing them of abuse of office.

Addressing the press at the County Headquarters, Lusaka said the duo had engaged in gross misconduct and as well violated the law.

He said the beleaguered officers were interdicted but moved to court trying to block the process but lost with the court saying it had no jurisdiction to stop him from carrying out his administrative duties.

Lusaka disclosed that after the case ruling, he appointed a team to deal with the administrative issues of five officers but unfortunately, Mr Mukenya and Mr Wambati rebelled causing chaos during the hearings which amounted to gross misconduct.

The Governor r revealed that the committee summoned the said officers to appear for a hearing on 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 9.00 am.

On 11th and 12th July 2023, the two officers (County Secretary & Deputy County Secretary) appeared at Mabanga Agriculture Training Center (ATC) and caused disruption of the disciplinary proceedings," said Lusaka

He added that their conduct made it difficult for the disciplinary committee to carry out their mandate adding the Constitution had no other option but to fire the two officers for gross misconduct and violation of the law.

“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," the governor explained.

Lusaka added that in article 232 on values and principles of public service, these acts amount to gross misconduct and insubordination revealing that the disciplinary hearings of the other interdicted Chief Officers will proceed and the decision communicated once the process is complete. 

The Governor directed relevant investigative authorities to swing into action and investigate whether the two embezzled government money.

“I invite the investigative agencies to swing into action to investigate whether government resources were lost as a result of the misconduct of the dismissed officers,” said Lusaka. 

He reminded residents of Bungoma that when he assumed office he swore to uphold the rule of law and govern in accordance with the constitution of Kenya at all times.

He said that all are aware of the glaring irregularities and inconsistencies that existed in the county government of Bungoma by the time he took over office.

The 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 five chief 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 I had with the County Public Service Board, we decided that the halted interviews for medical personnel will proceed at a date to be communicated," he said.

Courtesy ; K. N. A