Reprieve for Governor Lusaka as court upholds interdiction of seven former chief officers

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka during the health boards inauguration at the County headquarters on July 1, 2023. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]

A Bungoma Court has upheld the interdiction of seven chief officers who had served in the former regime.

The decision paves way for the swearing in of other chief officers whom Governor Ken Lusaka had appointed as replacement.

Lusaka interdicted the officers on allegations of abuse of office and corruption before they sought court redress on the matter.

The officers wanted the courts to vacate the interdiction on grounds that they had been unlawfully relieved of their duties.

The petitioners also appealed to the court to prevent the swearing-in of newly appointed officers, giving them time to lodge an appeal with the public service commission.

Among the individuals in question are former Chief Officer Public Administration Abidan Kapchanga, Chief Officer of the Governor's Office Isaac Mukenya, Chief officer responsible for Agriculture and Livestock Isaac Aruput and Chief Officer of the County Secretary's Office Dr Chris Nyongesa.

Others are Maurice Marango who was in charge of Roads and Public Works and County Secretary Wakoli Wambati.

Justice Jemima Kelly, presiding over the Employment and Labour Relations Court in her judgement dismissed the case stating that her court lacked the jurisdiction to issue conservatory orders restraining the county from swearing in the new officers.

Consequently, Governor Lusaka has received the green light to proceed with the swearing-in of the newly appointed officers, whose selections were duly endorsed by the county assembly.

The newly appointed officers set to assume their respective roles include Reuben Wambwa for Trade, Everlyne Wekesa for public ddministration and Robert Simiyu, Chief Officer for Agriculture.