Transferred staff accuse Marsabit County govt of discrimination

Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed flags off the relief food distribution programme in Marsabit Town on September 29, 2017. The Marsabit County Public Service Board has summoned the county secretary over transfer of employees. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The transfers come seven months after 32 other county officials were transferred without warning.

  • Marsabit County Public Service Board has summoned the county secretary over the transfer.

Marsabit County Public Service Board on Wednesday summoned the County Secretary Malicha Boru over transfers of 18 middle level officials.

In a letter dated April 17, the Board has alleged that the transfer was effected without due procedure.

The transfers come seven months after 32 other county officials were transferred without warning.

DISCRIMINATION

Some of the officials transferred last year wrote to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission claiming that the county government was discriminating against based on their ethnicity.

In the recent transfer, those affected also accused the county government of ethnically discriminating against them.

However, the county government spokesperson Issa Gambare told journalists that transfers were normal and that the government had the authority to manage county employees.

“Every officer should accept the call to serve in offices that have been found suitable for them. Improvement of service delivery to our people can only be done when we have people serving them without hesitation,” said Mr Gambore.

One of the employees affected by the job transfers refused to vacate his office forcing county officials to change the locks.

“Everyone should report to their new offices without causing any fracas and by all means, the government will ensure that happens,” said Mr Gambore.

Several of the employees who were transferred last year were fired after criticizing the county government’s decision to move them.