Civil servants in Siaya County have been put on notice after an embarrassingly low turnout at this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, where fewer than 200 people reportedly attended.
A visibly disappointed County Commissioner Norbert Komora criticized the absenteeism, calling it “a blatant display of disregard for national duty.” Before reading the President’s speech, Mr. Komora directed Deputy County Commissioner Robert Ng’etich and his assistant to conduct a roll call of all government officers present at the venue.
He warned that those who failed to attend would be required to submit written explanations and could face disciplinary action, including show-cause letters.
“National celebrations are not optional for civil servants,” Mr. Komora declared. “These events are opportunities to engage with citizens and reaffirm our commitment to public service. If one cannot honor that duty, they have no business being in government.”
In a stern rebuke, the County Commissioner urged officers who no longer wished to serve the public to “consider resigning rather than embarrassing the service.”
Mr. Komora, however, struck a note of appreciation toward the government for according the late Raila Amolo Odinga a state burial, lauding the former Prime Minister as “one of Kenya’s greatest heroes whose sacrifices will forever inspire generations.”
Deputy County Commissioner Ng’etich, on his part, used the platform to wish candidates success in the upcoming national examinations beginning tomorrow. He also urged the youth to register as voters in the ongoing continuous registration exercise, promising that the government was streamlining national ID registration to make the process smoother.
The low turnout in Siaya—often a hotbed of political enthusiasm—has raised eyebrows, with senior administrators vowing to ensure future national events reflect “the dignity and unity befitting a proud county.”
Photo: courtesy of TV47
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