A group of good governance activists in Eldoret town has filed a case challenging the recently held nomination of projects identification committee members in the Kiplombe ward, Turbo Sub-County.
The activists led by Evans Odhiambo and Duncan Arum claim the nomination process was not held as per the set guidelines.
Addressing the press in Eldoret town on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, the activists noted that individuals nominated to sit in the powerful committee were handpicked by the area Member of the County Assembly.
They also noted that most of those nominated were from one area, with others even being voters outside the ward.
“The election did not follow set guidelines. People from upper Kiplombe took all posts and the one picked purportedly to represent lower Kiplombe is a voter in Huruma ward. This is impunity,” Odhiambo said.
“We wanted the law to be followed and this is why we have rejected that list and gone to court to declare the process null and void,” he added.
The activists are seeking orders for the process to be repeated, and also to be done in line with the set regulations.
All 30 wards in Uasin Gishu on May 26 held a public participation forum to pick individuals that will sit in the revamped Project Indentification Committees.
Good governance
The committee will be mandated to identify projects for the county to finance at the grassroots based on the priority of the locals.
But according to the activists, with the skewed process, the Kiplombe ward committee will not be effective in serving its purpose.
“Someone not from Kiplombe cannot represent the interest of the locals in that area in the said committee,” Arum said.
He further noted that there have been several other instances where a resolution of public participation forum in the ward is later disregarded by those in power.
“We want locals to elect their own people and have the individuals that will push their interests. For example, at the West Maternity Hospital, the former chairman is yet to hand over to the newly elected chairman. All we want is good governance,” noted the activist.
Kiplombe MCA Gilbert Lagat who was present when the election of the Ward Project Identification Committee members could not be reached for a comment on the matter.
The court is now expected to give direction for the case filed under the certificate of urgency.
