- A senior official in Siaya county, Richard Omondi Odhiambo, was suspended after publicly accusing Governor James Orengo of being a drunkard.
- Siaya County Government decided to suspend the County Information Management Officer for what it called misconduct
- Omondi, popularly known as the Deputy Vice President and a staunch supporter of ODM, criticized Orengo’s leadership
A senior official of Siaya county has been suspended after publicly accusing the Governor James Orengo for working drunk during a violent political meeting.
Source: Facebook
Richard Omondi Odhiambo, popularly known as the Deputy Vice President, was sacked immediately after being suspended following the remarks he made on Wednesday, February 25, at a public meeting of the Linda Ground group in Poisonous East.
What did the Vice-Vice claim against Orengo?
The suspension follows Omondi’s strong speech at a public meeting associated with the opposition group Linda Ground within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During the incident, he criticized Orengo’s leadership, accusing him of weakening the party and weakening its political power in Ugenya.
Omondi, a plumber who has long been seen as a staunch supporter of ODM, has become a popular figure at party events.
His political nickname, Vice Vice President, has made him popular in local political circles, but his recent remarks marked a stark departure from his previous loyalty to the county boss.
In the meeting, he increased political criticism and made allegations against the governor and his wife, Betty Murungi.
He accused the governor of reporting to work drunk and uttering unprintable insults, claims that cannot be substantiated.
Omondi also claimed a personal relationship with Orengo, saying that they are brothers due to their common origin in Ugenya.
He said the time has come for him to mention what he described as shortcomings in the governor’s leadership.
How did Orengo respond to the Vice-Vice?
The Siaya County Government confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the County Information Management Officer for what it called misconduct and insubordination.
In a letter of suspension written on Wednesday, February 25, and signed by Chief Administration, Governance and ICT Officer Walter Okello, the county accused Omondi of making “inappropriate, insulting, abusive and disrespectful remarks” directed at the governor during a public political activity held in Kisumu County.
The letter, referred to CGS/CO/GVN/HRM/CONF/78/VOL.IV (105) stated that Omondi’s actions amounted to a gross violation of Article 16 of the Public Officer Ethics Act, Article 4.6 (c) and (d) of the 2022 Civil Service Disciplinary Manual, and Articles J.7 and J.18 of the Resource Policy and Procedures Manual 2016 Civil Service People.
It further cited Section 44(4)(d) of the Employment Act as the basis for immediate termination.
According to the letter, Omondi has been suspended pending further processing and determination of the matter.
Source: Facebook
He has been ordered to hand over any county government property under his custody without delay and to show cause in writing within seven days why further disciplinary action, including dismissal, should not be taken against him.
“You are therefore directed to hand over any County Government property under your custody to the undersigned immediately. Further, you are required to show cause within seven (7) days from now, why further disciplinary action, including dismissal, should not be taken against you,” read the letter.
Failure to respond within the stipulated period, the letter warns, will result in the matter being closed without further reference to it.
“If you fail to file a written response within this period, the matter will be handled and concluded without further reference to you, subject to applicable laws and regulations,” the county said.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
