Vihiga county governor Wilbur Ottichilo has told ward administrators that their jobs would be at stake “if the rivals out there come in”.
Speaking when he launched the performance contracting for county staff at Mbale on Thursday, Ottichilo said his administration was under pressure to deliver services.
The County chief now wants county ward administrators to fight for his government to protect their jobs.
“You must be in every public function that takes place in your areas to defend the government. I have asked the CECs and directors to facilitate you so you can work,” Ottichilo was quoted by a local daily.
He asked residents to be patient because county governments have not received funds for the first quarter this financial year following the standoff between the Senate and National Assembly on revenue sharing.
“Some people are so impatient that they want things done immediately but they must also appreciate other dynamics. We have spent time putting in place structures and building institutions to ensure quality services regardless of who’s in office,” he said.
Ottichilo has been under intense pressure from his opponents who have accused him of wasting a lot of time on planning instead of rolling out development.
The governor has in the past said that he inherited an empty country Treasury and a government without structures.
He has sacked some staff whom he said were irregularly hired and cleaned the county payroll of ghost workers, including relatives of former county employees and MCAs who received salaries without working.
