Chief recruitment suspended after six petitioners move to court citing bribery

Six residents moved to court, citing irregularities. [iStockphoto]

The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu has temporarily stopped the recruitment of assistant chiefs in three sub-locations in Homa Bay following a complaint by disgruntled residents.

The government has been in the process of recruiting assistant chiefs for Nyamaji East and Nyamaji West sub-locations.

A similar exercise was also being undertaken to employ an assistant chief for Waware North sub-location in Rusinga East.

Six residents moved to court, citing irregularities. "Many candidates did not attend the interviews because they never got the SMS for the invitation," the petition said.

The petitioners also said some candidates were asked to give up to Sh500,000 to be favoured by the interviewing panel. 

Interviews for recruiting the assistant chiefs had been conducted on June 6 for the three sub-locations in Mbita.

Justice Stephen Radido said the court will give further directions on August 10.