Lusaka sacks county secretary and his deputy over corruption claims

Bungoma governor Ken Lusaka and his deputy, Jenifer Mbatiany, during a press briefing at the county headquarters where he announced the sacking of county secretary Wambati Wakoli and his deputy Isaac Mukenya. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has sacked the County Secretary Joseph Wakoli Wambati and Deputy County Secretary Isaac Mukenya over allegations of corruption.

The two officers served in former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati's administration.

The duo was also accused of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The county chief noted that he had discovered inconsistencies within the devolved unit in the management of public funds.

Besides the two, the county attorney and five chief officers were also sent packing

"When I assumed office, I took an oath to uphold the rule of law and govern in accordance with the constitution of the Republic of Kenya," said Lusaka

He went on: "You are all aware of the glaring irregularities and inconsistencies that existed by the time I took over the office. I constituted a task force that looked into the issues and came up with a raft of recommendations that led to their interdiction."

Lusaka noted that the dismissed officers sought legal recourse to halt their interdiction.

However, a court in Bungoma upheld their interdiction last Thursday, necessitating the swearing-in of the newly appointed chief officers.

The petitioners had asked the Employment and Labour Relations Court not to swear in the newly appointed officers but their pleas were dismissed.

The newly appointed officers are Everlyne Wekesa (Public Service), Reuben Wambwa (Trade) and Robert Simiyu (Agriculture).