Governor John Nyagarama suffered a major blow on Wednesday after the assembly voted against his Trade and Tourism cabinet nominee Pauline Oyugi.
In a stormy afternoon at the assembly, Pauline Oyugi, a manager at Kebirigo Tea Factory, had 19 MCAs voting against her bid, with only 14 standing with her.
Magwagwa MCA Fred Omayio accused the governor of failing to consider age factor, adding that youths have been sidelined from crucial appointments.
"Mr Speaker Sir, it's wrong for the regime to continue nominating retirees yet we have desperate youths. This house cannot be used to rubber stamp impunity," he said.
Nominated MCA George Mosiori celebrated the outcome, adding that the assembly should stand and protect the interest of the youth. He said the governor should consider young professionals.
"We have educated youths. You can't source for retiring relatives and impose them to us. It's wrong to ignore the young people. The assembly will always do the right thing," he said.
Pauline, 57, has a sister who is married to First Lady Naomi Nyagarama's brother. The governor has often been accused of nepotism and clanism in his management.
The rejection comes at the time ongoing payroll audit revealed that several people who should be retiring, are still earning salaries from the county government.
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