Tension has rocked the county government of Nyamira after Governor John Nyagarama refused to renew contracts of five most trusted allies.
Governor Nyagarama is keen to redeem his legacy which has been eclipsed by numerous cases of corruption, nepotism, clanism and maladministration.
The ODM governor is set to retire in 2022 having secured re-election in 2017. Throughout the last two years, Nyagarama has been accused of masterminding graft cases within the county.
Early this year, Governor Nyagarama shocked his close allies when he ordered auditing of payroll, which brought about sacking of over 1,000 workers where were irregularly recruited by his confidants.
And last week, Nyagarama refused to renew contracts of Chief of Staff Job Ong'ombe, his deputy Kefa Sagwe, political advisor Joash Gisore, economic advisor Joseph Amwoma and legal advisor Lindley Nyambane.
The five have been key in making key decisions on running of activities within the county for a couple of years now. Insiders say the governor always trusted their advise.
Already, Mr Ong'ombe, a former staff mate of Nyagarama at Menyenya High School, has been replaced by one Kennedy Ongaga, a cousin to the governor who was also recently recruited as Gubernatorial Press Service Director.
The governor, an insider argues, was forced to get rid of the five after they were adversely mentioned in the payroll purge report that revealed hundreds or irregular employment and promotions.
"He was furious and felt betrayed by people he had trusted for many years. They were implicated in irregular employment of staff and promotions due to powers they enjoyed. You will not see them anywhere," said the source.
In the letter served to the five, Nyagarama wished them 'all the best in their future endeavors', adding that he was 'happy for the services they gave'.
One of the dismissal that comes as a shock is that of Mr Sagwe, a powerful deputy chief of staff. He served as Nyagarama's personal assistant during the first term and is credited for making systems run.
"I am not going back as personal assistant. I really don't know the plan but let's see how this goes," he said in a past interview, days after his dismissal.
Mr Ong'ombe and Gisore are accused of promoting their own interests by securing employment for their family members at the county government of Nyamira.
For Mr Amwoma, a reserved economist, he has already applied for chief officer position and has already been interviewed. He is closely related to First Lady Naomi Nyagarama.
The governor is also expected to make changes in his cabinet in November after the term of the current ministers expires. Intensive lobbying is currently ongoing.
Also expected to be dropped is controversial County Secretary Eric Onchana, who has also been adversely mentioned in payroll purge report as one of masterminds of irregular employment.
Mr Onchana, a land officer, will have his contract expiring on November 3rd this year. He has been fighting for survival after falling out with Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo.
The cabinet is expected to adopt a report that recommends down ranking of government officials who were irregularly promoted by former payroll managers.
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