Residents claim they got a raw deal in appointments

Siaya,

Sunday September 17, 2023

KNA by Philip Onyango

The residents of Gem constituency are up in arms against Siaya governor, James Orengo accusing him of giving them a raw deal in appointments to senior positions in his government.

According to the residents, led by South Gem ward member of the county assembly, Brian Anyango alias Otuom Polo, Orengo has not only sidelined the constituency, but was also giving the youth a raw deal.

Speaking to journalists after attending a funeral in his ward, Polo said the latest list of county executive committee member and chief officer nominees that the governor forwarded to the county assembly for consideration did not represent the face of the county.

“As Gem residents, we are not featuring anywhere, thus begging the question if regional balance was considered,” said the MCA.

He accused the governor of rewarding political rejects at the expense of service delivery.

Polo called on his colleagues in the county assembly and members of the civil society to reject the list as a way of doing justice to the unemployed youth.

“The way forward is to reject the list. He has to consider the youth and regional balance in his government,” he said, adding that Gem people must be considered in the appointments.

His sentiments were supported by a youth leader from Gem, Benjamin Agunda who described as ridiculous, the nomination of a former Siaya county public board member to head the gender and youth docket.

“We all voted for Orengo and as Gem people, we are demanding that he ensures regional balance while making appointments,” said Agunda.

This week, Orengo forwarded a list of eight people to the county assembly for consideration and approval for various positions.

Among the nominees are a former principal secretary, Prof. Jacqueline Adhiambo Oduol for the position of CECM, water, sanitation, environment, climate change and natural resources.

Former member of the Siaya county public services board, Dr. Nicholas Kut Ochogo has been nominated for the chief officer position in the department of youth, gender and social services.

Others are Jactone Ouma Odinga (chief officer, budget and planning), Ajuol Okoth Kevin (Energy and transport), Samwel Omondi Owino (Chief officer, health), Judith Oyugi (chief officer, Water and sanitation), Elizabeth Atieno Adongo (Chief officer, Agriculture, food security, livestock and fisheries) and Michael Ombambo Oliech (chief officer, Enterprise and Industrial development).

Prof. Oduol and Dr. Ochogo vied for Alego / Usonga parliamentary seat during the last general elections but were knocked out at the ODM party nominations stage.

Three of the nominees are from Alego /Usonga constituency, two each from Ugenya and Rarieda constituencies and one from Kisumu County.

Courtesy; KNA