The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has warned six newly-elected governors with legal action following suspensions and threats issued to county workers.
Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti are on record threatening to sack county officials who campaigned against them in the 2017 elections.
Governor Rasanga stated: "I want to tell those who supported all my opponents in the elections not to report to work tomorrow."
Read More: Governor to Sack County Officials After Re-election
His Homa Bay counterpart likewise stated: "I want to thank my Executive Committee members who have been serving in the first time of my administration because I could not have made any achievement as an individual. However, some of them should not be worried if they don't find their names in the current Government."
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki have already suspended close to 2,000 workers in their respective counties.
In a statement to newsrooms, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli termed the drastic actions by the governors as "unfortunate, unlawful and unacceptable."
"It is absurd that most of the already sworn in Governors have assumed totally new roles that include threats of sacking, intimidation as well as avenging their anger on perceived opponents and workers.
"These developments are setting a dangerous precedence in this Country where Professionals and employees hired to serve in various Counties are now forced to work at the pleasure of an individual with no security of employment nor respect of the Law," Atwoli's statement read in part.
In a rejoinder, Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson, Prof. Margaret Kobia on Wednesday stated that sacking any worker without following due legal process would result in unnecessary legal costs and also destabilise human resources in the regions.
The Chairperson emphasised that all workers, including those on contract as casuals, have strict employment terms governed by the Constitution and the Employment Act which must be adhered to.
"Legal steps for terminating a worker on permanent and contract terms must be respected by all, otherwise counties risk spending public funds in running court battles," said Kobia.
