The Bomet county government was forced to issue a statement following a fundraiser organized by former Governor Isaac Ruto.
The Chama Cha Mashinani party leader allegedly held the funds drive to raise legal fees for a suit against Governor Joyce Laboso.
Deputy Governor Hillary Barchok called a press conference on Tuesday to address the move that was termed as undermining the sitting governor.
“It is unfortunate that the former governor held a fundraiser at the weekend allegedly to raise funds to cover legal fees for former employees who have sued the county for alleged wrongful dismissal.
“In the meeting, he made very disparaging allegations against the county which cannot go unchallenged,” Dr Barchok stated.
Nominated Senator Alice Milgo opposed the move to allegedly lay off 4,000 county workers all at once terming it as an injustice.
“I do not support injustices visited on the people by the county government,” she stated.
Dr Barchok, however, argued that the employees’ contracts expired in December 2017 and the county government is working on finding permanent and pensionable employees to replace them.
“Contracts for the former officers ended on December 2017, and were not renewed as the current administration insists employment must be done through the County Public Service Board. We are in the process of filling up the positions.
“I wish to admit that we have been very slow in filling the vacant positions, as we want to be sure that due process is followed and the employees taken on board under permanent and pensionable terms,” the DG stated.
He further added: “Mr Ruto is engaging in an exercise in futility. He is misinforming the public on various issues for selfish political gains. We defeated him in the last general election and we will beat him hands down in the 2022 poll.”