Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime's political adviser Richard Lukindo.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime has suffered a setback in his administration after the County Assembly revoked the appointment of his political advisor, Richard Lukindo over forged academic credentials.
According to the assembly's report, which was tabled on the floor of the House on Wednesday, Mr Lukindo falsely stated that he holds a degree from the University of Nairobi yet his highest qualification is an International Computer Driving License (ICDL).
The assembly’s Sectoral Committee on Administration, Security, and Devolution has directed the governor to terminate Mr Lukindo's appointment within seven days and submit a formal termination letter to the assembly.
Presenting the findings, the committee chair Isaac Matolo noted that presenting forged certificates constitutes gross misconduct under Section 44 of the Employment Act, 2007.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime's political adviser Richard Lukindo.
“The appointing authority failed to adhere to the minimum academic requirements. This is a gross violation of human resource management practices. This trend undermines public trust in the administration,” he said.
The assembly's decision marks yet another blow to the governor’s administration as Mr Lukindo becomes the third high-ranking county official implicated in forged academic certificates.
He joins other high-ranking officials implicated in fake papers scandals, including Mr Erick Kyongo, who was the county executive for Agriculture, and Mr Philemon Mwambingu, the director of Protocol.
Mr Kyongo resigned last year after Egerton University stated that the degree he held was not from the institution while the Protocol director's contract was terminated by the governor early this year raising concerns about the integrity of appointments in the county government.
Mr Matolo, who is also the Mata Ward MCA, called for stricter adherence to statutory provisions in future appointments to restore credibility in the county government.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime.
If Mr Mwadime adheres to the assembly's recommendations, he will lose key advisers in his administration following the interdiction of his economic advisor and six others.
Last year, the governor also dismissed some of his advisors, followed by pressure from the county assembly.
Former Economic Advisor Thomas Njumwa was interdicted following his corruption case at the Mombasa High Court over the misappropriation of funds meant for the World War One commemoration in November 2022.
Also, the governor dismissed his other four adviseos Frank Mmare (Water, Sanitation, and Health), and Jennifer Dali (Women and Gender), Jeremiah Kiwoi (Lands and Governance), Jason Tuja (Peace and Cohesion).
In 2023, the assembly's report declared their positions null and void for violating the law. Nation.Africa has learned that only Blue Economy and Investment Advisor Bill Lay is still in office.
