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A partially opened gate and a deserted car park at Tana River County Government offices in Hola tell a tale of an abandoned public office.
The offices at Trade Building, including those of Governor Dhadho Godhana and several departments, remain empty, with the majority of workers away from their working stations.
The Standard established that, over the last eight years, Governor Godhana has hardly operated from the building amid claims that witchcraft or juju was left behind by the former administration.
Godhana was reportedly advised by elders to abandon the office. Most of his meetings are held at his residence at Makutano, about eight kilometres on the outskirts of Hola County headquarters.
All visitors, including during the tours of the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga, are hosted at the residence. No official visits have ever been held at the county offices.
A county executive who spoke on condition of anonymity said that some meetings are also held in Nyali in Mombasa, where a satellite office has been opened for crucial deliberation.
On Thursday, the County Executive in charge of Public Service Management Ali Mluwa dismissed claims of witchcraft as politics but confirmed that the governor prefers to work from his official residence and not the county government headquarters.
He said Godhana does not operate from his private home.
“Yes, the governor prefers his official residence because it has a big boardroom and other facilities. He also holds meetings in the office. The other rumours are just politics,” Mluwa told The Standard on phone.
“Yes, when he won the seat eight years ago, we advised him not to operate from that office because we believed there was witchcraft.” We have talked to him from the word go not to occupy or sit on the chair left there,” said Mzee Akare Dida, a member of the local council of elders.
Residents said that due to the absence of the governor, junior officers have absconded from duties, with respective offices remaining closed for years hence gravely affecting service delivery.
“These offices are always closed or empty. We cannot be going to the governor’s residence to demand our payment or services,” said Fatuma Ali, a resident of Garsen.
Ms Ali said that most senior county employees do not go to the offices because of pending bills.
