By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL TEAM
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has openly defied court orders by advertising jobs that have been declared illegal and non-existent. The announcement, published in a local daily on Wednesday, advertised positions already filled by existing officers, raising questions about Ayacko’s motives and authority to replace them without due process.
The positions include Directors of Public Health, Trade, Lands and Housing, Education, Internal Audit Services, and Assistant Director of Public Communication, along with 5 vacancies for Sub-County Administrators. Alarmingly, Ayacko has also purportedly created a new position of Senior Sub-County Administrator, a role not provided for under the County Government Act 2012, Section 51, further underscoring the illegality of his actions. That latter position is not provided for in the Act and has also not been crated by the County Pubic Service Board as there’s no such board in place, the one he appointed illegally and forcefully having been suspended through a court decision.
Critics argue that this job announcement is part of Ayacko’s strategy to shore up political support in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Since his election, the governor has been working to replace officers who were hired under the previous administration of Okoth Obado, with claims that he intends to install his loyalists. Local observers suggest Ayacko is engaging in a personal vendetta to erase Obado’s influence in Migori County.
“Ayacko seems more focused on removing his predecessor’s appointees rather than delivering services to the people of Migori,” remarked political analyst Mark Oduor. He warned residents to avoid applying for the advertised positions, as anyone appointed could face legal challenges and possible dismissal without compensation.
The county’s Public Service Board (CPSB), which is responsible for creating and abolishing positions within the county, is currently non-functional after Ayacko controversially ousted its members. A court ruling has since barred the board members he appointed from performing its duties until the matter is resolved. With no CPSB in place, Ayacko lacks the authority to establish or fill new positions.
Youth activist Omondi Marvin Paul condemned Ayacko’s move, criticizing the misuse of public resources to advertise illegal jobs. “How much public resources are wasted on these hogwash advertisements?” Paul questioned in a viral Facebook post, as public outcry grew over the misuse of public funds for what many deem a politically motivated stunt.
Despite mounting criticism, the Migori County Assembly and the region’s eight MPs have remained silent, a move that has raised concerns about their allegiance and willingness to hold the governor accountable. Many believe the Assembly is under Ayacko’s control, with members intimidated into silence or submission.
As the situation unfolds, residents are left questioning whether Governor Ayacko’s focus is on political survival rather than serving the public. His decision to advertise these controversial positions casts doubt on his commitment to lawful governance and effective public service.
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