A letter signed by the county public service board secretary, Francisca Bartoo, dated August 9, 2018, indicated that Alex Kipchumba Tarus was dismissed on the grounds he “altered county government records, which led to a loss of KSh800.”
“I wish to convey the decision of the county public service board to summarily dismiss you from service with effect July 30, 2018 on grounds of gross misconduct,” read the letter in part.
Mr Tarus’ dismissal letter was received by the finance and economic planning chief officer, Jeremiah Changwony, on August 17.
The letter further states that the decision to summarily dismiss Tarus was based on an interdiction letter dated March 15, 2018; his response and appearance before the board on July 31, 2018 and findings of an investigation.
It gave him a chance to appeal to the public service commission within 90 days in the event that he was dissatisfied with the decision.
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Speaking to The Standard on phone, the board’s secretary said the dismissal was a private matter.
The dismissal has elicited mixed reactions with some saying it was unjust.
One resident, Meshack Kiplagat, described it as “the most unjust sacking in the history of the government”.
“The public service board should put on a human face and allow the young man a chance to refund the Sh800 instead of sacking him. Mistakes do happen when we handle money and sacking him is brutal,” posted Kiplagat on the social media.
Others supported the dismissal saying all employees had to be accountable.
“Those who engage in misuse of funds should carry their cross,” said Koech Kipkemboi.
