Turbo MP Janet Sitienei is under increasing pressure in Uasin Gishu County following allegations of ethnic discrimination in the distribution of bursary funds. The accusations have sparked political unrest and could lead to her impeachment.
While speaking in Eldoret, Huruma Ward MCA and Uasin Gishu County Assembly Minority Chief Whip Kimani Wanjohi accused the MP of allocating bursaries unfairly, favouring one ethnic group over others and particularly disadvantaging minority communities in urban wards.
“Out of the KSh 59 million issued as bursary in the entire Turbo constituency, Huruma Ward received only KSh 3 million. Kiplombe Ward, which also hosts a large number of minority residents, was allocated the same. This means only KSh 9 million went to wards represented by minority communities,” Wanjohi stated.
He cited provisions of the Constitution and the Auditor General’s reports, which have been presented before the county assembly, accusing the MP of violating key inclusivity laws. According to him, the allocations contravene Section 7 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act and Section 65 of the County Governments Act.
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“These laws are clear. No more than two-thirds of employment or public resources should be allocated to any one ethnic group. Unfortunately, this is not being observed in Uasin Gishu,” he emphasised.
“What is it about Uasin Gishu that prevents us from being like other counties where they have seen the wisdom of following the law to the letter?” Wanjohi posed.
He called on county leaders to follow the example of the national government in promoting inclusive governance and equitable distribution of public resources.
Data from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) shows that Uasin Gishu is among 34 counties that have violated the County Governments Act (2012) by staffing more than 70 per cent of their workforce from one ethnic group—raising alarm over ethnic imbalance and potential social fragmentation.
By Joseph Mambili
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