Huruma Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), Hon. Kimani Wanjohi, has delivered a powerful statement denouncing what he described as deeply entrenched ethnic discrimination in the Uasin Gishu County government. Addressing reporters and constituents in Eldoret, Wanjohi criticized the county’s public service appointments and resource distribution, accusing the leadership of failing to embrace national principles of inclusivity and equality.
Wanjohi began his remarks by contrasting the inclusivity of the national government with the apparent ethnic imbalance in Uasin Gishu. He praised the national government's efforts in building a broad-based, all-inclusive administration that transcends ethnic and political lines—a model he said was working and needed to be replicated at the county level.
“One of the most commendable aspects of the current national government is its commitment to inclusivity. Appointments are made without tribal or political bias. This broad-based approach has allowed every Kenyan, regardless of origin, to feel part of the nation. Sadly, that spirit has not taken root here in Uasin Gishu,” he said.
Wanjohi, who represents Huruma Ward—one of the most cosmopolitan wards in the county—emphasized that Uasin Gishu is home to all of Kenya’s 42 tribes and should reflect that diversity in its governance. However, he lamented that minority groups remain systematically excluded from key positions in county institutions.
Quoting from the latest Auditor General's report, Wanjohi revealed that a staggering 96% of those employed by the Uasin Gishu County Government belong to one ethnic community, in clear violation of the constitutional threshold that mandates no more than two-thirds of public sector jobs be held by a single ethnic group.
“This is not just bad policy—it’s unconstitutional. The Public Service (Values and Principles) Act is clear: employment must reflect the face of Kenya. Yet, in Uasin Gishu, 96% of government staff come from one tribe. It’s unacceptable.”
He pointed to Eldowas—the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company—as a prime example of institutionalized bias. He claimed the hiring practices at the company continue to marginalize minorities and called for immediate intervention by relevant oversight bodies.
Wanjohi criticized the current composition of the county’s executive leadership, noting that of the ten County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), only one hails from a minority background. Out of twenty Chief Officers, just one is from a non-dominant community—when, by law, at least six of those positions should be allocated to minority groups to fulfill the one-third rule.
“This is not representation; it is exclusion. It’s time this county stopped pretending and started living up to the constitution. Other counties like Trans Nzoia and Nakuru have demonstrated how to fairly distribute opportunities. Why is Uasin Gishu lagging behind?”
The MCA also turned his attention to education-related inequalities, particularly the allocation of bursary funds. He accused the Turbo Member of Parliament Janet Sitienei of skewed allocation of bursaries along ethnic lines. According to Wanjohi, out of KES 59 million distributed as bursaries in Turbo Constituency, Huruma Ward—despite its large population—received only KES 3 million, while other wards like Kiplombe received significantly higher amounts.
“We cannot accept this. I represent thousands of parents and children in Huruma, and they deserve equal treatment. If the MP cannot serve all constituents equally, then she should prepare to be recalled. This is not politics; it’s a fight for justice and dignity.”
Wanjohi warned that this trend of discrimination, if unchecked, could lead to greater divisions and unrest. He decried the hypocrisy of Uasin Gishu leaders who, he claimed, speak against tribalism when outside the county but ignore—or even promote—it at home.
“It’s a mockery when leaders from this county go to Trans Nzoia to preach against tribalism while their own backyard reeks of it. We must clean our own house before pointing fingers elsewhere.”
In response to reports that the Uasin Gishu County Public Service Board is set to advertise several new job positions, Wanjohi issued a stern warning.
“We are watching closely. Every hiring process must follow the law. We will not allow the board to carry out ethnic appointments in a mischievous or opaque manner. Any action that violates the constitution will be challenged in court.”
The MCA emphasized that he and other concerned leaders are prepared to take legal action, protest, and engage civil society in challenging the systemic injustices.
“As leaders from minority communities, we have suffered long enough. But we are no longer silent. The one-third rule on employment is not a suggestion—it is law. And we will fight until it is respected in this county.”
Wanjohi concluded by calling on the county leadership, civil society, and fellow MCAs to stand together and advocate for a more inclusive, fair, and representative government in Uasin Gishu.
“Let’s not just talk about unity—let’s practice it. This county belongs to all of us. We will not rest until every child, every young person, and every professional, no matter their tribe, has an equal shot at opportunity.”
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