Lusaka sacks four interdicted Chief Officers

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka on Thursday sacked four Chief Officers over gross misconduct.

The four; Dr Chrispinus Nyongesa, Isaac Juma, Abidan Kapchanga and Maurice Marango were interdicted in February 2023, over claims of committing offences and acts that amount to gross misconduct.

They however moved to the employment and labour relations court to challenge the move.

The case was heard and on 23rd March, 2023, a rulling upholding their interdiction was delivered.

Declaring their dismissal via a press release, governor Lusaka said after the court rulling, he appointed a disciplinary committee in a bid to give the affected officers a fair hearing.

He said the officers appeared and instead of being orderly, they disrupted the session.

"The committee commenced its proceedings and invited all the officers to appear before it at Mabanga ATC (Agricultural Training Centre) so that they can be accorded fair trial as stipulated within the law. The officers appeared and disrupted the proceedings, making it difficult for the committee to discharge its mandate," said the county chief.

"The committee proceeded and handed in its report with several recommendations on the way foward."

The former Senate Speaker said he made a decision to sack the Chief Officers, after reading the report.

"Having gone through the report and noted that the four Chief Officers contravened the requirements of Chapter six of the constitution of Kenya 2010 on leadership and intergrity, and Article 10 on national values and principles of governance and Article 232 on values and principles of public service."

"Accordingly and in accordance with section 45 (1) (b) and read together with section 3 (d) of the County Governments Act, I hereby dismiss the four Chief Officers from the County Public Service with immediate effect."

It is not clear whether the affected officers will embrace their fate, or mount another challenge to remain in office.

A Chief Officer is to the county government what a principal secretary is to the national government.