SIAYA, Kenya, Sept 18 – Siaya Governor James Orengo has ordered thorough investigations into a major employment scandal that saw more than 380 individuals—purportedly hired earlier this year—dismissed after presenting forged appointment letters.
Speaking during a press briefing at his office, Governor Orengo urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to carry out lifestyle audits and probe all individuals linked to the fraudulent recruitment scheme, which allegedly defrauded job seekers of millions of shillings.
Orengo also appealed to the Siaya County Assembly to fast-track a petition filed by affected youth, noting that swift determination would guide subsequent action by the executive.
Given the public outrage, we urge the Assembly to conclude this matter within a fortnight rather than a month, he said.
The Governor reiterated that his administration would fully cooperate with all investigative agencies. He emphasized that the county government did not issue any official job advertisement earlier this year, and warned that employment can only be granted through a lawful process involving advertisement, application, and interviews.
The scandal came to light when County Public Service Board CEO Wilfred Nyagudi revealed that only 120 workers had been legitimately recruited through interviews. The remaining 380 individuals had reported to the Health Department with forged letters, triggering an authentication exercise after some complained of going unpaid for nearly eight months.
We were shocked when the numbers of those reporting ballooned. A syndicate appears to have exploited desperate youth by issuing fake appointment letters, Nyagudi said.
The revelations have sparked widespread condemnation. Affected individuals have staged protests and petitioned the County Assembly demanding reinstatement and justice. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Governor Orengo after area MPs Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga) and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) demanded disciplinary action against officials in the Governor’s office allegedly linked to the scandal.
Orengo noted that the county is already struggling to keep its wage bill within the mandatory 35% ceiling of the total budget, adding urgency to the need for proper staffing procedures.