Kajiado MCA condemns Governor Lenku over cabinet reshuffle

Conflict is growing between Governor Joseph Lenku and the Kajiado County Assembly following the government reshuffle.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Governor Lenk made changes to the 11 members of the County Executive Committee (CECM), the County Secretary and Chief Officers, leaving some of his close allies in “lucrative” positions, sparking outrage among the public and county representatives.

Mr Jeremiah Ole Ncharo, who was dismissed by the MCA last year over corruption allegations but was quickly taken to court and arrested, has been transferred from the Ministry of Education, Vocational Education, Youth and Sports to the Ministry of Gender Equality, Cooperatives, Culture, Tourism and Wildlife.

Mr Alias ​​​​Kisota and Alex Kilowua hired Finance and Economic Planning and Medical Services and Public Health respectively.

The biggest casualties appear to be Dr. Jacton Achola and Dr. Leina Mpoke. Dr. Achola was transferred from Agriculture, Livestock and Veterinary Services, Fisheries to Roads, Public Works, and Transport.

Chiefs also felt the effects of the reorganization. Governor Lenku reinstated Mr. Sankare Tima to the Finance Department, replacing long-time Chief Officer Mr. Lekina Tutui, who was transferred to the Water Department in the same role.

The Majority Leader in the Kajiado County Assembly, John Loisa, on Thursday moved a motion to nullify the appointment of the Chief Finance Officer, Mr Sankaire Tim, who held the position during Governor Lenku’s first term but was removed following a public outcry from other departments in the county.

Presenting the motion, Mr. Loisa called the County Treasury a key body for the county that needs a professional with a clean record.

“Mr. Chairman, this is a goodwill motion for our county. We oppose the appointment of the candidate for the position of Chief Finance Officer, his professional conduct, financial performance, audit reports and interpersonal skills are insufficient,” said Dalalekutuk MCA.

He added that the candidate has a history of repeatedly failing to follow County Assembly procedures and failing to cooperate on financial matters, which leads to frustration and inefficiency.

The MCA accused the candidate of incompetence during his previous term, when the county saw a severe fall in income, totalling 36.3%, and local government revenues fell by 37% in the 2019/20 financial year.

The MCA said numerous audit concerns have arisen during his tenure, including undocumented county revenues, failure to follow revenue collection procedures, undocumented payments, and undocumented insurance and advance payment transactions.

“We call on the governor to withdraw his nomination,” Mr. Loisa said.

The same sentiments were shared by MCA representatives Bernard Moloma (Kenyawa Poka), James Mbiriri (Ngong), Joseph Tori (Uwaso Kedong), Joseph Mutunke (IIdamat), Amos Solitei (Keekonyokie) and other MCA members who described the reshuffle as a “sham”.

MCA nominee Grace Parantai has expressed opposition to Dr Acholi’s appointment to the Roads Department from the Department of Agriculture, calling it misguided and unwise.

“It’s high time the district nominations showed professionalism and regional equality. How can a veterinarian be included in the Roads list?” Ms Parantai wondered.

County officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in county governance remain intact.

The new impasse exposed the frosty relations between the executive and the assembly, leaving Governor Lenk in a difficult position.