Siaya County is headed into a tense week after Governor James Orengo triggered an emergency sitting of the County Assembly amid mounting allegations of widespread irregular recruitment within the local government.
A special gazette notice issued on December 5 confirmed that Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) will convene both morning and afternoon sittings on Tuesday, December 9 a rare step seen as a response to growing pressure from ethics watchdogs and the public.
According to the notice, the 10:00 a.m. session will zero in on a critical motion addressing claims of illegally extended contracts, questionable acting appointments and violations in the county’s staffing processes.
One of the central figures expected to face scrutiny is George Nying’iro, the Acting County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Economic Planning and Vision 2030, whose conduct will be debated on the floor.
The day will culminate in a highly anticipated State of the County Address by Governor Orengo a speech many observers expect to be dominated by the raging controversy.
The emergency sitting follows damning revelations from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which accused the Siaya County Public Service Board of engaging in unlawful recruitment of more than 500 health workers.
The commission alleges that the hires were done without proper approvals and outside prescribed procedures sparking concerns of a deliberate attempt to manipulate the system.
Investigators further claim that applicants were coerced into paying hefty bribes reportedly between KSh 300,000 and KSh 350,000 to secure appointment letters, with preliminary findings revealing major discrepancies in staffing numbers.
Despite only 120 vacancies being advertised, insiders indicate that more than 700 letters of offer were issued raising fears of ghost workers, duplicated roles and possible payroll theft.
EACC’s Nyanza office, led by Commissioner Abraham Kemboi, disclosed in September that a probe was already underway but progress had stalled due to non-cooperation from powerful individuals within the county’s leadership.
The scandal has since escalated into a national conversation, drawing reactions from top political figures, including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. In October, he tabled the matter in the Senate, warning that the situation risked eroding public trust and straining county finances.
As Tuesday’s session approaches, the county stands at a crossroads with many residents demanding transparency, accountability and a sweeping clean-up of the public service.
Whether the emergency sitting will produce concrete action or fall into political theatrics remains to be seen but one thing is clear: Siaya is under the spotlight, and the country is watching.
