Hundreds of Vihiga County government employees on Thursday March 20, 2025 downed their tools in protest of what they term as continued harassment by the County Public Service Board.
The workers including revenue clerks, drivers, enforcement officers among others had a tough face-off with the County Governor Wilbur Otichillo and the Chairperson of the County Public Service Board Franklin Esipila.
During the protests, the employees demanded for the immediate dismissal of several members of the Public Service Board, as well as the County Director of Human Resource.
“We are not going to resume working until all the items we listed in our strike notice are addressed,” said one of the workers.
Led by their Chairperson, Moses Ombaso, the Vihiga County employees accused the Public Service Board of rooted corruption as well as nepotism in hiring and promoting county staff.
The employees also raised concerns over victimization of workers through irregular transfers and demotions as well as lack of comprehensive medical covers for the employees.
Esipila had a hard time addressing the hundreds of workers who demanded to understand the criteria used by the board to execute workers promotions.
However, he urged the workers union to submit names of the aggrieved employees. Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo has urged the employees to get back to work, promising swift action into the grievances raised.
“I have no power to sack any employee, it’s the public service board that has the authority to take any action on promotions of employees,” said governor Otichillo.
