Storm in Isiolo over leaked County payroll

A political storm is brewing in Isiolo County over a leaked county payroll that has sparked outrage over the existence of ghost workers amid claims of nepotism.

The information from the leaked payroll has drawn the attention of 11 Members of the County Assembly and Senator Fatuma Dullo, who now claim their lives are in danger for speaking against Governor Abdi Guyo’s administration.

Isiolo deputy governor James Lowasa and county secretary Dadhe Boru have since downplayed the payroll leak seeking to assure the staff of their private data safety.

They however blamed the leaked payroll with over 1,600 workers on politicians out to fight governor Guyo.

“We have initiated administrative action against officers who handle personal data relating to county staff. Investigations are ongoing to verify the source of the document,” Mr Boru said.

The county secretary said a human resource audit was ongoing to allay the fears that Governor Guyo's administration was paying ghost workers.

"All recruitments in the county are done within the law and are above board. Members of the public should not be misled by deliberate misinformation attributed to some politicians," he said.

Governor accused

However, on Thursday, 11 members of the county assembly issued a statement accusing the governor of overseeing irregular appointments.

The MCAs include Peter Losu (Ngaremara), Nicholas Lorot (Burat), Halima Abgudho (Cherab), Salesio Kiambi (Wabera), David Waithaka (Bulapesa) as well as nominated MCAs Kamila Warsame, Nura Mohamed, Rahima Abdikadir, Francisco Letimalo, Dekha Bonja and Fauzia Jibril

“A glance at the county executive payroll has revealed unpleasant happenings where laws on recruitment have been thrown out of the window and replaced with jungle law where the governor calls the shots…” Mr Lorot said.

He said the county executive was paying ghost workers and former allies of the governor, who are based in Nairobi.

“We have given the governor enough time to deliver for the people of Isiolo. However, he has failed on his mandate and as the oversight body, we have come out to call out this administration,” Cherab MCA Halima Abgudho said.

They demanded a forensic audit of the county’s payroll saying the county assembly would summon officials to shed light on alleged irregular employment and corruption.

County's speaker's position

But Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba who appeared to bash the 11 MCAs said their statement was not a position of the assembly.

“The county legislative house operates through structured, democratic processes where official decisions are made collectively. I urge MCAs to follow formal legislative channels to address issues in the government,” Mr Roba said.

The clash however took a twist when Senator Dullo issued a statement in the Senate alleging a plot to assassinate her for criticising the county government.

“On October 30, a meeting was held and attended by 10 county government employees and the discussions centered on an attempt on my life…I am therefore deeply concerned about my wellbeing. I have reported the matter to the DCI,” Ms Dullo said

She said there was a plot to physically block her from travelling to Isiolo with a court case filed against her.

 “I have credible information plans are underway to obstruct my access to Isiolo County so as to prevent me from engaging with the people I represent. My staff and supporters have continued to face harassment from hired goons and summons from security agencies to dissuade them from supporting me,” Senator Dullo said.

On Friday, the Burat MCA also claimed he had received threatening messages from the governor and appealed for enhanced security. Mr Lorot and his 10 colleagues alleged increasing intimidation to silence them.

However, the deputy governor accused their rivals of attempting to disrupt the operations of the county government for political expediency.

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