Governor Kihika distances herself from recruitment of Chief Officers

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has distanced herself from the recruitment of 21 Chief Officers.

Kihika in her defence in a case challenging the appointment of the officers said she was only involved in the last stage -recommendation for nomination of the candidates.

The governor wants a petition by Nakuru resident Kenneth Odongo dismissed. She claimed it was filed in bad faith and in abuse of the court process.

She claimed there is no evidence, proving she was involved in the process of appointing the officers.

"The petition has not met the threshold for orders sought and there is no proof of the allegations against me," she submits.

Kihika said she was not involved in the advertising process, shortlisting, interviewing or selection of candidates.

"I only receive candidates, do the last bit of interview and recommend for nominations," she submits.

Even as she seeks an out-of-court deal in the case, she insists that the Nakuru Public Service Board (PSB) does all the work of recruitment.

The governor filed hers defence before Justice David Nderitu of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nakuru, in the event the negotiations collapsed.

Odongo sued Kihika, County Assembly, Speaker Joel Karuri, the Clerk, Attorney General, Public Service Board and county government.

He wants the list of nominees quashed since the recruitment process was flawed.