Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i has challenged Kisii Governor James Ongwae to pay contractors.
Speaking on Thursday during signing of performance contracts by county executive members, an event that took place at the county headquarters, Tong’i urged Ongwae to be balanced in the employment of senior officers in the county in order that all sub-counties are represented.
“One message contractors told me to deliver to you governor, is that they are complaining that you have not paid them for along time now. So, please look at that governor and if possible pay them before starting any new project. Another thing governor is that there is regional imbalance in employment done in the county. Let any employment done reflect the face of Kisii," he said.
He added: “For example, in my constituency, it is poorly represented in the top positions; we have no single director working in the county."
Mr Tong'i also asked Ongwae to absorb casual workers he inherited from the defunct local authorities. He said the unemployed casual workers are languishing in poverty.
In a quick rejoinder, Ongwae answered Tong'i that there is regional balance in employment in the county and every constituency is well represented.
"We have many senior officers coming from Nyaribari Chache constituency including minister for agriculture and cooperatives Vincent Sagwe and director for communications Maseme Machuka. Therefore, allegations that there regional imbalance in employment are untrue and unfounded."
Ongwae promised to pay remaining contractors by next month: "We have done monetisation that will facilitate payment of contractors. They will be paid as from next week."
Tong'i pledged to support Ongwae's government: "Yes, you are a human being like any other and you might be having challenges but we will support you to ensure development in our county. If you are keen, you can see that I have changed after the Narok retreat. I will support you to ensure service delivery in our counties."