Over 1,500 workers of Migori County Government on Thursday boycotted work and stormed Governor Okoth Obado’s office to demand Sh134 million unremitted salary deduction to various State institutes and banks.
The striking workers held peaceful demonstrations across Migori town, before invading his office as he hosted officials from the Commission for Revenue Allocation.
They booed Mr Obado as he tried to address them. “That kind of attitude is what I do not want. I cannot be your prisoner: if you have come to dictate to me ata kama ni maneno ya kura acha hiyo kura ikae (even if it is about votes let it be),” Obado said.
The altercation escalated as Obado asked the disgruntled workers to leave his office if they did not want to be addressed, insisting the money they were demanding was inherited from the councils.
“According to pay slips, deductions were being made but no remittance was issued on loans taken way back in 2007, which were to mature in 2011 before I became governor,” Obado said.
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The governor blamed the striking workers for not participating in forming the Transition Authority report, which never factored the arrears.
“My office was only aware of the amount and started dealing with the matter in September this year; we do not have a budget line for the money,” he said.
County Workers Branch Secretary Baraza Nguka said the strike will continue until their demands are met.
“We are in this for the long haul. We demand our rights, which include confirming casuals, some of who have worked for over seven years,” Mr Nguka said.
