A county governor has suspended all county enforcement officers and ordered fresh recruitment following a public outcry.
Siaya Governor, Cornel Rasanga, said the move was prompted by complaints by the county residents who have accused the officers of corruption, extortion, and violence, a tag that has brought disrepute to the county.
"In the recent past, we have received complaints from the public over some rogue officers. We have resolved to suspend all of them to bring sanity in the department," he said.
Rasanga declared his fight against cartels seeking to tarnish his name saying he is out to rid the county administration of decay.
"The practice perpetuated by some law enforcement officers are not in line with the law. I consequently direct the County Secretary and Public service Board to conduct fresh recruitment to resolve the complaints in totality," stated Rasanga.
He pointed out that the misconduct of the officers including stealing revenue receipt books, soliciting bribes from traders, harassing the public, illegally possessing public property, and failing to perform their duties was denying revenue for the county.
In a speech read by the County Secretary, Joseph Ogutu, Rasanga stated that those found innocent will be reinstated while those found guilty will be sacked.
County askaris across the country have been accused of harassment, bribery, and extortion especially those operating within town centers. On February 16, matatu operators rebelled against county askaris in Tharaka Nithi for corruption and promoting lawbreakers from whom they take bribes.
In November 2020, a report by the Nairobi County Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee revealed how cartels conspired with law enforcement officers to steal money from parking revenue meant to be remitted to city hall.
