Bungoma Governor Forced To Reshuffle Cabinet After Court Ruling

Bungoma Governor Forced To Reshuffle Cabinet After Court Ruling

Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka has made changes to the county government cabinet days after sacking the entire county executive committee members.

On Saturday, April 18, Lusaka announced the changes, noting that they would take effect immediately, with the move coming after the court ordered reinstatement of the CECMs that were relieved.

“As we await the final verdict of the court, the services of Bungoma County must not be disrupted,” Lusaka stated.

“Hence, as guided by Article 179 and 183 of the Constitution, as read together with Section 32A, 33A, and 32 (1) of the County Government Act, I make the following changes.”

In his statement, Lusaka moved Caroline Makali from her previous role as the CECM of Finance to the Roads Department, while Bonventure Chengek was moved from the Roads Department to the Finance Department.

At the same time, the governor reappointed Wamamili David Wanyonyi to his previous role at the public administration, adding him an additional role to take over the Gender, Sports and Culture.

The county deputy governor, Jeniffer Mbatiyan, also came to the cabinet in the recent changes, seeing her appointed as the CECM Trade and Industrialisation at an acting capacity.

“The deputy governor shall act as the CECM for Trade and Industrialization by virtue of section 32 (3) of the County Government Act,” Lusaka added.

In the latest changes, Lusaka also retained CECMs for Water, Lands, Education, Agriculture and Health.

Those who were shown the door include Douglas Asita, who previously held the trade docket, and Benedict Emachar of the Gender, Sports and Culture, who were forced on a forced leave until further notice.

“Architect Douglas Asita, the CEC for Trade and Industrialisation together with Benedict Emachar, proceed on leave until further notice,” the governor added.

Lusaka’s decision comes after the Employment and Labour Relations Court ordered the Bungoma County boss to reinstate the CECs after their dismissal earlier in April.

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In their petition, the CECs said the dismissal violated multiple provisions of the constitution, including the right to fair administrative action and fair labour practices.

“The dismissal was done in the form of a press statement and was not preceded by any semblance of procedural fairness at all,” the petition read in part.

“None of the petitioners has received a letter communicating the decision to terminate their employment.”

It is worth noting that on April 9, Lusaka sacked all Members of the County Executive Committee (CECM), the County Attorney, and the County Secretary with immediate effect.

The Governor cited his decision as a constitutional mandate to ensure effective governance and improved service delivery.

Bungoma Governor Forced To Reshuffle Cabinet After Court Ruling