By Team
Do you want to be employed as an Information Management Officer at the Siaya County Government? You don’t need to have academic papers. Let your mouth run the show at the political podium and you will easily land employment.
That is why in the Department of Communication you do not need to have qualifications but political relevance to gain employment in the department.
While several graduates from Siaya County continue to job hunt at the county government, unqualified persons including a plumber have landed a plum job as Information Management Officer.
And now another storm is brewing over the recent appointment of the Governor’s Director of Communication, Mr George Adeya, with the County Assembly demanding to be furnished with his academic testimonials.
In a letter from the Clerk of Assembly Eric Ogenga to the County Secretary Joseph Ogutu captioned “Statement on irregular appointment of the Director, Governor’s Press,”
On March 4, 2026, a Member of the Assembly, Booker Bonyo, sought guidance from the Speaker George Okode on the above.
Okode referred the matter to the Committee on General Oversight to investigate and report to the House on the qualifications.
The House wants to compare the qualifications of the former Director Ben Agina, who resigned in March 2024, to that of the new director George Adeya.
“You are asked to provide the following documents to assist in the said investigations by the committee before or on Thursday, March 12, 2026, by close of business.
Letter from the Governor to the County Public Service Board nominating the previous office holder, Benjamin Agina, for consideration for the position of Director, Governor’s Press, letter of appointment, resignation letter and academic qualifications.
The letter appointing Mr George Adeya to the previous position of Information Officer, letter from the Governor appointing Adeya as Director, Governor’s Press and academic certificates and testimonials of George attesting to his qualifications and experience in the field of communication or journalism,” read the letter in part.
The Assembly now also wants the list and contracts of all advisors and other staff appointed to serve during the tenure of the governor as provided for by the defunct Transition Authority, IGTRC and SRC exception of support staff.
“Provide academic certificates and testimonials of all staff and Director, Governor’s Press currently serving within the tenure of the governor,”
The Director of Human Resource was also advised not to process and pay salary and benefits to Adeya in relation to the position of Director, Governor’s Press pending the outcome of investigations.
In the same department, the Public Service Board also employed Kisumu-based plumber and political comedian Austin Omondi Odhiambo alias Makamu wa Makamu as Information Management Officer.
Information Management Officers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Data Science, or Information Science, often paired with 2–5 years of experience in data management or records systems. Key skills include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, and data visualization, alongside strong organizational and communication abilities.
Omondi was recently suspended from employment after what was termed as disrespectful remarks about Governor James Orengo.
Omondi, once a darling of Orengo, switched camp in the new emerging political realignment in the ODM headed by the party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, Wanga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Alego MP Sam Atandi among other leaders from the region and found himself swallowing more than he could chew.
After the rally, Omondi received a suspension letter captioned “Notice of Suspension and Mandatory Show Cause.”
“This office is notified of an incident during a public political activity within Kisumu County on the 25th February 2026 at which you uttered unsavoury, derogatory, insulting and disrespectful remarks in reference to the person of H.E James Orengo, the Governor Siaya County…
Your actions in this regard amount to gross misconduct, inconceivable insubordination and flagrant breach of Section 16 of the Public Officer Ethics Act, Section 4, 6(c) and (d) of the Public Service Disciplinary Manual, 2022 as well as Section 1.7 and 1.18 of the Public Service Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual 2016.
Consequently, and in line with the provision of Section 44(4)(d) of the Employment Act, you are hereby suspended from duty with immediate effect pending further processing and determination of your matter.
You are therefore directed to hand over any County Government property within your custody to the undersigned immediately.
Further, you are required to show cause within seven days henceforth why further disciplinary action, including dismissal from service, should not be instituted against you. Should you fail to submit a written response within this period, the matter will be processed and finalized without further reference to you, guided by applicable statutes and law,” signed by Walter Okelo, Chief Officer Governance, Administration and ICT, read the letter in part.
From a humble beginning as a plumber in the Kisumu sprawling slums of Manyatta to the high table of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where he shared the podium with the party leadership.
From the political podium, Omondi landed employment at the County Government of Siaya.
