Dissecting Nyaribo’s ruthless rule in Nyamira

Nyamira governor Amos Nyaribo is ruling the county with an iron fist after he recently demoted more than 1000 employees to create room to employ and promote his sycophants.

The move was also meant to tame officers allied to the late governor John Nyagarama and ODM politician who vowed to frustrate him after ascending to his current position.

Nyaribo who is a member of the ANC party was the county’s deputy governor but rose to the top after Nyangarama’s demise spared employees close to members of his kitchen cabinet.

He spared more than 200 loyal employees who got their July salaries in full and did not demote them despite their names featuring prominently on the list of those implicated in the irregular promotions.

The move raised eyebrows within the community and political circles with claims that the demotions were driven by dirty politics, malice and nepotism.

The demoted employees have since petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to probe matter and alleged looting of funds meant for development of projects.

Nyaribo targeted top accountants and procurement officers who have vowed to expose the rot and embezzlement of county funds through fictitious claims during the 2020/2021 financial year.

They accuse that authoritative governor of stealing Sh130 million meant for development projects through fake payments during the same financial year.

Some officers were demoted because they allegedly paid bribes to get promotions or gave sexual favors to climb up the ladder but they questioned given opportunity to defend themselves instead of being condemned unheard.

Other including the county government human resource director Shem Nyangau has already moved to the Labour court court to seek legal redress as he accused the county service public board of demoting him and further deducting his salary without his consent.

But the Employment and Labour Relations Court has stopped the demotion of the employees after Justice Christine Baari, sitting in Kisumu, issued a stay order on Wednesday until the petition is heard and determined.

Other petitioners include Lamech Machuki Nyariki, Lewis Oburu Nyaribo, Douglas Mecha Osoro and Dan Isaac Onyancha who accused Nyaribo’s administration of changing the terms of employment without allowing the affected workers the opportunity to be heard.