Uproar over Rasanga's nominees

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga (L), Chief Accountant Geoffrey Ochieng'(C) and County Secretary Joseph Ogutu consult when they appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee over audit queries at Parliament on Tuesday on July 31, 2019. [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Governor Cornell Rasanga has come under criticism over his nominees to the County Public Service Board. The governor (right) has sent names of the six people to the assembly for vetting before he officially appoints them to the influential board.

Of concern is the nominees' ages, which range between 54 and 78, and their competence. Residents feel the governor may have gone for his loyalists at the expense of "capable performers".

Central Alego MCA Leonard Oriaro claimed the list was anti-youth and Persons Living with Disabilities and vowed to oppose it in the House. Clifford Oketch, a resident, has petitioned MCAs to reject the list and force the governor to pick fresh nominees.

 "Do we lack young personnel to fit into the positions? Why appoint people who should be retiring," posed Mr Oketch. In a rejoinder, the governor, through his spokesman Jerry Ochieng', defended his choice, saying they met the requirements. "The executive advertised for the positions and those who felt qualified had the chance to apply. It's as simple," said Mr Ochieng'.