Community members from Bothai sub county during the press briefing. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Abdi Mirat reading a press statement on behalf of community members from Bothai sub county./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Abdi Elmoge an elder from Bothai sub-county. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Community members from Bothai sub county during the press briefing. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
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Magan Dahir, an elder from Bothai sub-county speaking to the press. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

 

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Residents of Bothai Sub-County in Ijara Constituency have raised concerns over persistent irregularities and delays in the recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs.

Addressing the press on Friday at a hotel in Garissa, residents claimed that positions for these administrative roles have been advertised more than five times without the recruitment process being successfully concluded.

Bothai Sub-County, predominantly inhabited by the Hassan Adam family of the Samawadhal clan, was inaugurated in 2022 to strengthen grassroots administration and improve the coordination of government services.

Following its establishment, several sub-locations were created, including Qamuthu, Eldere, Daresalam, Dibayu, Bula Qoqon, Jirey, and Falama. However, residents say only three of these positions have been filled to date.

Community representative Abdi Mirat stated that while the creation of the sub-county was welcomed as a step toward inclusive governance, the community is now frustrated by the stalled process.

Mirat noted that since the inauguration, appointments have faced repeated cancellations and administrative inconsistencies.

“To date, the positions have been advertised more than five times without completion. Each time the process reaches the stage where interview results are submitted to national authorities, it is abruptly cancelled and the positions re-advertised without a clear explanation,” Mirat said.

“These repeated cancellations raise serious concerns regarding the integrity and independence of the recruitment process.”

The residents further alleged that there are plans to overlook local candidates in favor of individuals who do not reside in the affected areas.

A local elder, identified as Mzee Andi Elmoge, emphasized that the community expects the recruitment to prioritise qualified local residents.

The residents also expressed concern regarding perceived political interference in the process.

Elmoge noted that the community is questioning why the recruitment appears to be halted once it reaches the final stages, urging elected leaders to focus on legislation and representation rather than the administrative hiring of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs).

“Our appeal to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo is to urgently intervene and ensure the process is logically concluded,” Elmoge added.

Another resident, Magan Dahir, argued that the prolonged delay has weakened the relationship between local leadership and the community.

“Chiefs and assistant chiefs are critical pillars of grassroots governance. Their effectiveness depends on their familiarity with the community and the trust they enjoy among residents,” Dahir said.

“Appointing individuals without proper consideration of merit and community connection risks undermining public confidence in government institutions.”

The residents remain hopeful that the Ministry of Interior will take swift action to restore transparency and ensure fairness in the remaining appointments.