Uasin Gishu MCA Decries Ethnic Imbalance, Threatens Action Over Discrimination
He pointed out that while the national government has made strides in embracing ethnic diversity, the same cannot be said for Uasin Gishu County.
Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi. Photo/File.
By Juliet Jerotich
A storm is brewing in Uasin Gishu County as Huruma Ward MCA and Minority Whip, Hon. Kiman Wanjohi, raises the alarm over what he describes as deep-rooted ethnic imbalance and job discrimination in the county government.
Speaking candidly, Wanjohi criticized the county administration for failing to reflect the spirit of a broad-based and inclusive government.
He pointed out that while the national government has made strides in embracing ethnic diversity, the same cannot be said for Uasin Gishu County.
Wanjohi expressed his concerns during a recent address, stating, “We represent a cosmopolitan community. Uasin Gishu is home to many tribes, yet over 96% of the county government workforce belongs to a single ethnic group. This is unacceptable.”
He cited the Auditor General’s report, which flagged the county’s non-compliance with Section 7 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act and Section 65 of the County Government Act.
These laws stipulate that no more than two-thirds of employees should come from one ethnic group. According to Wanjoki, this rule is being blatantly ignored.
Highlighting leadership appointments, he noted that of the ten County Executive Committee (CEC) members, only one represents a minority community. Similarly, out of 20 Chief Officers, only one comes from a minority group, falling far short of the six that the law demands.
Wanjohi didn’t mince words about the alleged discrimination in the distribution of bursary funds. He claimed that Huruma and Kiplombe wards, which are metropolitan, received only KSh 3 million, while Turbo constituency, represented by the President, received a whopping KSh 59 million.
“This discrimination must stop,” he said. “If our MP continues on this path, I will lead the people in collecting signatures for his impeachment.”
He also criticized the Uasin Gishu Public Service Board for advertising positions without regard to diversity requirements.
“We will not sit back as the law is broken,” he vowed, threatening legal action if the board continues to ignore national cohesion guidelines.
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