The ongoing payroll scrutiny in Nyamira has exposed a secret network that could have orchestrated employment of several people, some ghost workers without due diligence.
Last week, Governor John Nyagarama sent the entire payroll team home for a compulsory leave of three months, a move that has caused panic within the county.
"The entire team shall proceed home for three months. They are required to handover immediately. The aim is to audit the payroll before they come back," he noted.
But many people including senior government officials could be on the receiving end following revelations that several people were recruited before reaching the mandatory age of 18.
Also, it has emerged that over 1,950 people were recruited in 2016, the single highest in a year with a source working closely with the interim team terming it 'technically impossible'.
"A lot of things have come out including recruitment of very young people who had not attained 18 years. We have also noted that many of those recruited, were not subjected to interviews," he said.
Law Society of Kenya South Nyanza chair Wilkins Ochoki observes that it would be easier to kick out those recruited through such means without much hindrance by the law.
"If the process such as having the slots announced or taking successful candidates through an interview, then they cannot defend themselves in court. It would be difficult," he noted.
Top county government officials including County Secretary Erick Onchana could find themselves in the receiving end should the audit be made public by Governor John Nyagarama.
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