Laikipia County Governor Joshua Irungu on Thursday, November 28, dismissed the entire board of the County Revenue Authority over damning allegations of gross misconduct.
The Governor stated that some of the allegations raised against the board members included accepting bribes and sexual favours in exchange for job offers, as well as engaging in gender-based violence (GBV).
While making the announcement, the Governor emphasised that these allegations violated human rights laws and undermined the integrity of Laikipia County.
Individuals who had already received job offers from the board were set to start in November. However, Governor Irungu cancelled the entire exercise, citing the need for thorough investigations.
“There were reports of corruption and sexual favours which I cannot entertain as the father of this county. Since we are yet to identify who was directly involved, I am requesting the victims to reach out to me through different channels,” Irungu stated.
“I have decided, today, that the Laikipia County Revenue Authority board has been suspended until the investigation is conducted to gather evidence so that we can decide whether to retain some of them or dismiss them all. For now, they are all out of a job until further notice."
This decision comes a week after Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Laikipia raised concerns over the issue and tabled a motion recommending the removal of the board.
Filed by Thingithu Ward MCA, Stephen Nderitu, the motion accused all seven members of extorting job seekers across the county.
“We want to send them home for misuse of office through extorting job seekers and sexual harassment. They are tainting the county, yet we have qualified people to conduct credible recruitment exercises for revenue collectors,” claimed Nderitu when moving the motion.
Segera Ward MCA Salim Edum backed the motion, claiming that their conduct had been detrimental to the 250 revenue collectors who had their appointment letters revoked after receiving them.
“How will they uplift the lives of young people if they are blackmailing them through job applications? If you don’t give money, no opportunities. The current board should pave the way for competent people,” Edum lamented.
The board had been tasked with hiring staff for the county government in the absence of a fully constituted Public Service Commission (PSC).
