Over 1,000 workers in Nyamira County will be sent home after it emerged that they were irregularly recruited by wheel dealers over the last three years.
Early last month, Governor John Nyagarama ordered payroll team to vacate office for three months, paving way for a thorough audit following public outcry over escalating wage bill.
“The payroll manager, Mr Lewis Oburu, and his other team members, among them James Nyagechanga, Ann Ontiri and Josephat Nyamweya, are directed to proceed on three months leave pending the audit of the payroll,” said Mr Nyagarama.
On Monday, a source says, Governor John Nyagarama received a shocking payroll audit report in which massive irregularities were noticed that would affect over 1,000 employees.
In the report, underage workers are said to have been recruited while several others got absorbed without formally undergoing interviews and CPSB procedures.
"To begin with, in the next few days, 1,000 people will be sacked. Most of these people were irregularly recruited. The governor has made the decision after consulting the legal team. Those behind the scheme will not be spared," said she insider who spoke in confidence.
Those who will be tasked to explain the anomalies that have led to loss of billions through recurrent expenditure include County Secretary Erick Onchana, CPSB and former Public Service Management minister Johnston Obike now in the youth and gender docket.
Also being investigated by the payroll interim team are irregular promotions and ghost workers. The county spends Sh5 billion for recurrent expenditure with little being diverted to development.
"We are chasing thieves. We are done with one minister and another one is on the offing. Those who are irregularly promoted and ghost workers will be nabbed. We can't sit and watch this mess," nominated MCA George Mosiori said on Wednesday.
Last week, MCAs started impeachment of Public Service Management minister Bernard Osumo, who is also accused of recruiting his son to the county without due process. He's accused of gross misconduct and abuse of office.