Nandi county Cabinet members face disciplinary action

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang. [Standard]

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has started the process of disciplining three members of his Cabinet over loss of construction materials.

The governor acted after receiving reports from three teams tasked with investigating the disappearance of supplies worth Sh3.9 million. The materials were meant for construction of early childhood development centres.

“In line with fair administration action, I direct that the CECM for Education and Vocational Training, Transport and Infrastructure, and Lands, Environment and Natural Resources be served with show-cause letters to allow the process to escalate,” Mr Sang said.

The dockets are held by County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Valentine Chumo, Hillary Koech and Stanely Baliach, respectively, who were suspended in May.

The matter was investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, a task-force set up by the governor, and an ad hoc committee formed by the county assembly.

Sang also gave the county assembly the green light to start impeachment proceedings against the three officials.

But the governor's recommendations could spark off a row because they clashed with those of the county assembly on the actions to be taken against the Cabinet members.

The ad hoc team, which was led by Ol'Lessos ward rep Emmanuel Mengeech, had recommended the sacking of two CECMs and two chief officers.

“Based on the testimonies received, the committee recommends that HE the Governor relieves the CECM for Lands, Environment and Natural Resources (Mr Baliach) and Education and Vocational Training (Ms Chumo) of their duties,” read the team's report.

The Chief Officers targeted by the Mengeech-led team are Jonah Biwott (Transport) and Daniel Sang (Education). Sang had said chief officers could only be removed by the County Public Service Board.