Kisumu County deputy governor Mathews Owili at a past event. Owili has said the board has no authority to suspend the county secretary. [Photo: Mathew Owili/ facebook.com]
The Kisumu County Public Service Board and County leaders have clashed over the suspension of county secretary Olang’o Onudi.The board’s chairman Nashon Oguya, his deputy Betty Asuna and board member Jackson Ondeng’ on Saturday said Onudi was suspended over claims of the irregular recruitment of county staff.Onudi has however since dismissed the claims, maintaining that he is still in office.On his part, Kisumu County deputy governor Mathews Owili defended Onudi, arguing that the board had no authority to suspend the county secretary.Owili hit out at those claiming that the county has been hiring staff illegally, terming the allegations as mere propaganda.“There has been no irregular hiring of staff in the county and those spreading propaganda should focus on developing the county,” said the deputy governor. However, the board chairman has defended his move, claiming that the allegations levied against Onudi amount to the abuse of office.“The board has considered the actions you have undertaken without due process and amounting to an abuse of office,” read a letter signed by the chairman, Mr Oguya.