Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has suspended two Chief Officers involved in the scandalous hiring of 518 health workers early last year.
Only 149 workers were supposed to be employed.
Chief Officers for Public Health and Medical Services Clement Manyulu and Arnold Mamadi respectively were found to have flouted employment rules in the hiring of the staff.
“I have received a report from the CPSB on the issue of recruitment of health workers. Among other recommendations, it recommends that action be taken against Chief Officers for Medical Services and Public Health who were directly involved in the recruitment process,” Ottichilo said.
He added, “As a first step towards the implementation of the said report, I hereby suspend the Chief Officers to pave way for further investigation into their role in the recruitment process. Action will also be taken against other officers adversely mentioned in the report.”
He noted that he had tasked the CPSB to carry out and conclude investigations in line with the Constitution and the Fair Administrative Action Act and report to him in the shortest time possible.
“This will enable me take an appropriate further action based on the findings. I further direct the officers to cooperate with the CPSB and other bodies in the investigation,” he said.
Ottichilo noted it had become necessary for him to reorganise his government to be more responsive for better service delivery.
County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers have hence been reshuffled.
Pamela Kimwele who has been the Agriculture Executive was moved to Public Service and Geoffrey Vukaya who has been the Trade Executive heads to the Agriculture department.
Justus Mwanje will now head the Transport and Infrastructure department while Marita Agufana who has been in Education will go to the Water and Sanitation previously held by Prof Mwanje.
Other reshuffles include; Paul Mbuni from the Public Service docket to Lands department previously held by Elvuna Keseko who has been moved to Trade.
Henry Lumbasio has been moved from Transport and Infrastructure to Education department while deputy governor Patrick Saisi will now head the Sports department.
“I direct those appointed in various positions, substantively or on acting capacity, to assume their new positions immediately and embark on their duties after smooth handover. In particular, I expect them to expedite the payment of pending bills, tendering of projects and completion of the ongoing restructuring processes in their respective departments,” Ottichilo said.
He noted the county was grappling with the question of staff employment in the department of health services beyond the requisition and the budget.
