Mobilize residents or face action, Uasin Gishu officials warn chiefs

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Eddyson Nyale (in court),accompanied  Police Commander Jeremiah Mwande (left) appeal to demonstrators to avoid causing jam on the roads in Eldoret yesterday. The parents and their children were demanding the refund of million of shillings they paid through the county government's account for students studying in Finland and Canada. August 1, 2023. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Eddyson Nyale has asked chiefs to mobilize residents to attend future public meetings or face disciplinary action.

Nyale’s warning came days after residents in President William Ruto’s home county shunned Jamhuri Day celebrations held in Kipkaren, Turbo sub-county, a move that infuriated the County Commissioner and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii.

The duo directed their anger at the chiefs and their assistants, accusing them of failing to mobilize residents for the Thursday event.

Speaking in Eldoret Friday,  Nyale warned Chiefs that they risk being removed from their government positions if they continued to neglect their duty to mobilize residents for important national functions such as Jamhuri Day. An agitated Nyale, widely known to residents as Kaka, said the government under the leadership of President William Ruto will not tolerate what he described as “primitive leadership” shown by some chiefs and individuals.

Respect leaders

“I was shocked by the way the Jamhuri Day celebrations were conducted, especially in my region, where the president comes from. It is shameful, and I don’t want to see it happen again. Get it right,” said Nyale

He added: “For someone like me, with all power and rank as well as your governor, Jonathan Bii, coming all the way from Eldoret and being disappointed like this, it’s really hurting, we are not going to take it for granted.”

Nyale urged the residents to respect the leaders instead of undermining them for political gain. The county commissioner also revealed that some individuals are attempting to betray the leadership of Governor Bii, but he warned that they will not succeed.

“We need your support because everything we are doing as leaders of this great county is for the benefit of the people of Uasin Gishu, not for personal gain,” he stated.

Bii told his cabinet to offer service delivery to all people without discrimination. He urged his political opponents to support his government saying it is time to deliver services rather than continue engaging in politics.

He added that he would surprise Kenyans by making major changes in his cabinet if they fail to perform. “I am a man of few words. I don’t follow or undermine my officers, but after what we witnessed during the last Jamhuri Day celebrations, things are not going to be the same,” he warned.