Migori County residents have complained of laxity at the county with services been slow following Okoth Obado’s detentionovber Sharon’s nurder..
While speaking to the media, migori people said that than those at public health facilities the rest of the county services have been abandoned.
Some of the abandoned dockets includes the lands, accounts, roads and water departments.
Following a spot check most of these offices were being manned by clerical offices and in some cases, secretaries.
According to one of the residents, “I have been frequenting the lands department for assistance but every time I visit the offices, I find no one to offer substantial services. I am usually told by secretaries to come back the following day.”
In another account, “Since the day the governor was linked to the murder, people are rarely in offices. Many officials do not report so residents are feeling the pinch.”
Sources say some county employees, who are sympathetic with the embattled governor, have pitched camp in Nairobi in a show of solidarity.
As Mr Obado was being arraigned last week, county executive committee members assured the public that operations would go on uninterrupted.
According to Lands, Physical Planning and Housing executive, Mr Elijah Odhiambo,”The cabinet of Migori would like to thank the people for remaining calm …,” he said. ” … government operations will continue uninterrupted. We request investigating agencies and the Judiciary to expedite the matter. We urge that this process should not be politicised,” he said.
Deputy Governor Nelson Mahanga Mwita has officially assumed the role of running the affairs of the county.
It is said that Mr Mwita is being assisted by County Secretary Christopher Rusana.
However, sources have it that the governor still has the final say on funds and expenditure, Mr Mwita does not have absolute influence on county affairs.
In addition it is believed the forthcoming by elections have also affected the county service delivery.
Migori staff are divided when it comes to key candidates, with some supporting Ochilo Ayacko of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and others backing Mr Obado’s choice, Eddy Oketch.
Despite him been in remand Obado’s shadow has featured in the senator race.
Before his woes started, he vehemently opposed ODM’s move to hand Mr Ayacko a direct ticket, terming it undemocratic.
He had vowed to campaign against the candidate and had initially supported former Rongo Member of Parliament Dalmas Otieno.
Mr Odieno withdrew from the race to take up a job at the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
The county quelled public concern about poor services in Mr Obado’s absence, however the county government spokesman Nicholas Anyuor assured the public that government services will not be interrupted.
Mr Odhiambo told the Nation that the county government is operating normally.
While backing Anyuor statement, Mr Odhiambo said, “All the offices are operating and there is no laxity as has been reported. All the chief officers in ministries report for duty daily,”
He further added saying, there is no cause for alarm. “People are in office … even the deputy governor, who is acting as the head of the executive.”
His views were echoed by Water executive Rebecca Maroa, who said the situation is not as has been alleged. All is fine and business is as usual.”