West Pokot Deputy Governor Dr. Nicholas Atudonyang’s 8-month absence from the county has put Governor John Lonyangapuo on the hot seat.
The Independent Pokot Leaders Forum (IPLF) has questioned why the Governor has not taken any action yet against the Atudonyang who they say has been in West Pokot less than a month since he took the oath of office.
Dr. Atudonyang is a neurosurgeon in Texas, the U.S where he has been since he was sworn into office last year.
IPLF has now issued a two-week ultimatum to Lonyangapuo to sack his deputy.
“He must relinquish the position if he can’t stay in Kenya and work for the Pokot. We have many challenges due to poor leadership.W e have seen many referrals to Eldoret and shortage of drugs,” IPLF chairman Ezekiel Pyegoh told Citizen Digital.
Pyegoh warned that if the governor does not act on their demands, they will collect signatures to remove Dr. Atudonyang.
West Pokot according to IPLF is in crisis given that the Deputy Governor also doubles up as the CEC for Health. His absence has impacted on the delivery of health services in West Pokot County.
There is a petition already before the Senate stating the crisis of West Pokot County.
Recently, 8 infants died while in the incubators after a power outage over an outstanding electricity debt of Ksh.1million at the Kapenguria County Hospital.
“They must rectify the mess. Many patients are referred to other hospitals outside the county. We shall use the Constitution to remove those in power and elect other leaders,” added Pyegoh.
Ghost workers menace has also dogged the county while the governor has come under fire for not factoring in minority communities in county employment.
“During campaigns, our Governor promised us jobs in different committees; minority communities like the Luhya, Sabot, Kikuyus, and others. It’ now eight months and nothing has been done,” one Fernandez Mukhwana said.