Tuesday's list of nine individuals set for vetting as Chief Officers in the county assembly may have caught Governor John Nyagarama's handlers flat-footed, given that not of his close allies made it.
By 3PM, Governor Nyagarama had rolled to Nairobi, with multiple sources confirming that he dropped his handlers who had applied for the posts before speeding up.
A senior communication official said that almost the entire list was changed at last minute, with Nyagarama dropping some of his close allies.
"He is no longer the humble governor we knew. He has changed his ways. Infact, someone like Joseph Amwoma was in the list until yesterday. He was dropped," said the official.
"In November, those ministers who will have to renew contracts should start preparing. Things have changed. The governor is now keen to safeguard his legacy. He is ruthlessly cracking the whip," he added.
Having led a government accused of graft, nepotism and maladministration, Governor Nyagarama's tactics changed in April this year, a month after surviving Supreme Court scare on election petition.
Afterwards, he ordered payroll audit which led to sacking of over 1,000 people who were allegedly recruited irregularly by some senior officials.
Last week, Nyagarama ordered for down grading of several officials who were allegedly promoted irregularly. Also, he vowed to ensure lost money is recovered.
"I am not turning back. Those who got irregular promotions must pay back. We will not allow this kind of business to overshadow our performance," he warned.
And perhaps in most shocking of all his new tactic on managing the county, Nyagarama failed to renew contracts of his all time close allies working as advisors early this month.
"I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you for your service to the county government of Nyamira," one of the letter to affected person read.
Among those he cut links with are Kefa Mocheche, his former PA and Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff Job Ong'ombe, Political Advisor Joash Gisore and Economic Advisor Joseph Amwoma.
The four were once his most trusted inner circle team that made decisions on the running of government affairs in Nyamira for seven years.
Anxiety has gripped the county, with just one month to the end of contracts for ministers. Also, the county secretary Eric Onchana will be running out of contract in November.
"I don't know but most of them will not make it back. The governor had given them enough time to improve. He has no option other than to send them home," another official said.
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