New staff list sparks protests from residents
The Malaba- Bungoma highway where trucks queue to pay overtime fees. Bungoma residents claim the municipal council’s employment of 15 new revenue collection staff was not based on merit. Photo/ FILE
A municipal council has been accused of nepotism in its recruitment of revenue collection officers.
Bungoma residents claim the municipal council’s employment of 15 new staff was not based on merit.
The residents have threatened to stage demonstrations if the Local Government ministry does not intervene to have the list of the newly employed workers revoked.
Councillors allegedly presented lists of their cronies for the positions, which residents claim were distributed among the councillors.
Among those employed, they said, are wives and a daughter of some councillors.
Investigations by the Nation revealed that although more than 170 candidates were shortlisted, councillors influenced the choice of their relatives at the expense of qualified people.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior staff at the council, who was part of the interviewing panel, said councillors demanded two slots each.
The residents have written to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission and Local Government PS Karega Mutahi to investigate the matter and prosecute those involved.
When reached for comment, the council clerk, Mr William Chepkwony, distanced himself from the claims, saying he was not part of the interviewing panel.
He said names of the selected people could not be sufficient evidence to nail councillors, but pledged to follow up the matter.
