Ex-Speaker and his aide charged over 'illegal' recruitment

Former Kisii Speaker David Kombo was arrested on Monday in Kajiado and transported to Kisii. [File, Standard]

Former Kisii Speaker David Kombo and an assembly staff have been arraigned in court over alleged employment scandal.

Kombo, who also served for two terms as South Mugirango MP, was arrested on Monday evening in Kajiado before he was transported to Kisii.

His aide Daniel Omwoyo was also arrested in Kisii town. The two were charged with abuse of office and irregular employment of a woman.

Omwoyo was charged on Monday over the appointment of his niece as a clerical officer without the approval of the county assembly service board.

The court was told that the employment was made eight years ago when Kombo was the Speaker.

After employment, the court was told that the woman started work as Kombo’s personal assistant on permanent and pensionable terms, contrary to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission regulations.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission accuses Kombo of abuse of office by conferring a benefit to the worker.

Omwoyo pleaded guilty on Monday. On Tuesday, Kombo’s lawyers Wilkins Ochoki and George Morara made an application to have his plea deferred to next week.

Senior Principal Magistrate Joshua Nyariki released Kombo on a cash bail of Sh50,000 or a bond of Sh100,000.