Tensions in Trans Nzoia County escalated to a point that required Senate intervention after a standoff between Governor George Natembeya and the former County Public Service Board disrupted key administrative functions.
The confrontation followed the governor’s February 16 order to close the Board’s offices and reassign its staff, a move critics say ignored legal safeguards designed to protect independent county institutions.
Peter Wamoto, outgoing Board chair, told the Senate Devolution Committee on Monday that the office shutdown was an unlawful attempt to undermine the Board’s constitutional independence.
He highlighted that the directive came just twelve days before the Board’s six-year term was set to end, preventing the preparation of a critical exit report.
Wamoto also raised concerns about the December 2024 appointment of Phoebe Namukuru Buchunju as Municipal Manager, which the executive had not implemented, and questioned the continued service of the County Secretary despite a transfer to the Health Department.
Governor Natembeya defended the closure, describing it as a necessary step to address “rogue behaviour” and professional misconduct within the Board. He told senators that the Board had canceled recruitments for County Chief Officers in late January without proper procedures, alleging that the chairperson used personal funds to finance the cancellation notices.
The governor also cited the improper hiring of eight nurses who had not been shortlisted, which led to a court injunction halting the onboarding of 134 other health workers, crippling county healthcare services.
Natembeya said the Board ignored instructions to proceed on terminal leave and continued carrying out what he described as illegal and self-serving business. Following the March 12 swearing-in of a new Board and reopening of offices, senators urged county leaders to take a long-term approach to governance and internal conflict resolution.
Margaret Kamar, Sessional Chair of the committee, stressed that disputes should be settled internally rather than in court, as legal battles waste time and resources. “Procedural issues in court cases can lead to a waste of time and resources. As counties, we should work to resolve issues internally rather than rely on litigation. These are small problems but have been magnified by politics and ego, which need to be controlled,” she said.
Hezena Lemaletian highlighted that Trans Nzoia’s struggle reflects broader challenges across counties and called on the County Assembly to act with patriotism.
“Trans Nzoia is not the only county that has such a problem. The County Assembly of Trans Nzoia should take up its role with patriotism and love for the nation to help condone the politics of both the executive and the County Service Board. Let’s not let politics and too much ego sway the service for our people,” she said.
Richard Onyonka underscored the importance of collaboration between the executive and assembly, warning against adversarial relations. Senators concluded by urging Governor Natembeya to conduct a formal handover with the outgoing Board to ensure a smooth transition and allow the resumption of essential health worker recruitment.
