Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua today on a collision course with the county assembly after MCAs launched investigations into controversial recruitment of 130 workers over corruption allegations.
After weeks of relative calm, the county assembly moved to assert its authority in the management of county affairs accusing the County Public Service Board in particular for “selling” county jobs.
In a motion tabled in the House by Elburgon MCA Florence Njoroge, the ward representatives lamented over what they termed as lack of commitment on the part of Governor Mbugua to tackle corruption.
For instance, one job applicant wished not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter said some of them parted with up to Sh400, 000 to secure jobs in the county.
“We are asking the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the CID to intervene because things are getting out of control,” he said.
“The entire exercise was marred by corruption, nepotism, favouritism and unfairness and it, therefore, contravenes national values and principles of governance,” said Njoroge.
She said that the recruitment should be revoked citing several irregularities such as failure by the board to place an advertisement in the newspapers inviting interested candidates to apply for the jobs in question.
“We want fairness, accountability and equality. The constitution and the county governments act clearly talks of competitive hiring of workers but this has not been done,” she pointed out.
She fingered board chairman Waithanji Mutiti, Secretary James Mbugua and other members of the board vying who are for various seats for using recruitment processes for selfish political gain.
They said that more than 70 of the 130 people hired come from Subukia constituency where chairman Mutiti also comes from. Board Member Francisca Kamuren is eyeing Nakuru parliamentary seat while Peter Mbae is vying for Kabazi Ward in Subukia constituency.
According to the MCAs, there was only provision to employ 100 enforcement officers but the board surprisingly hired 30 more.
