Laikipia County Governor Joshua Irungu has suspended the Laikipia Revenue Board due to sex scandals and bribery allegations in the recent revenue collector recruitment process.
Speaking on Thursday November 28, 2024 after a meeting with nearly 230 reinstated revenue collectors, the governor emphasized that investigations are underway to ensure individuals implicated take responsibility.
”In light of serious allegations surrounding the recruitment process, I have taken the decisive step of suspending the Laikipia County Revenue Board to facilitate a thorough and transparent investigation into claims of bribery and sexual harassment,” said Irungu
Irungu cautioned that individuals found guilty would be held accountable, including removal from office and facing appropriate penalties.
The county administration has reinstated 230 revenue collectors and hired 20 new collectors to replace those who were sacked for disciplinary reasons, increasing the total number of revenue clerks to 250.
At the same time, the county administration revoked employment offers for the 250 jobs listed in September this year after the first cohort’s contract expired in October 2023.
Over 4,000 persons had applied for the limited available places, which were eventually degraded by illegalities.
On November 20, 2024, Laikipia Members of the County Assembly, led by Thingithu ward legislator, tabled a motion to disband the seven-member revenue board, which they claimed was unfit to run office over extortion and sexual harassment to the job seekers.
The MCAs alleged that job seekers in the revenue department were asked to give a bribe of between Ksh60,000 and Ksh80,000 each.
