Two Lamu County CECs resign as another is suspended

Two county executive committee (CEC) members have resigned from their posts in the Lamu County government.

Mr Ahmed Mohamed Hemed, the CEC for Finance and Economic Planning and Mr Dismas Mwasambu Pole, the Tourism, Trade and Industrialisation CEC quit their positions in a surprise move.

Another CEC, Abdu Godana Dae (Public, Health Environment and Sanitation) has been suspended due to an ongoing criminal case arising from his former position as the Tana River County Secretary.

Speaking to the Nation on Friday, Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha confirmed that Mr Hemed resigned due to “personal reasons”.

Mr Twaha also confirmed that Mr Mwasambu resigned a few months ago but could not disclose the reasons for his resignation.

PROLONGED ABSENCE

He noted that Mr Dae’s prolonged absence from office since his suspension is affecting service delivery in the county and that discussions were already underway to replace him.

“Yes. It’s true, Mr Ahmed Hemed of the Finance and Economic Planning docket resigned citing personal reasons. On the other hand, Mr Dimsas Mwasambu of the Tourism, Trade and Industrialisation docket also resigned a few months ago. For Mr Abdu Godana Dae, he was suspended due to a criminal case arising from something that happened while he was the Tana River County Secretary. His prolonged absence is affecting service delivery and hence, the need to replace him,” said Mr Twaha.

Contacted, Mr Hemed confirmed that he had resigned.

WAITING FOR HANDOVER

“Yes, I gave notice of resignation on personal reasons of which I discussed with the governor. I am just waiting to hand over,” said Mr Hemed.

But on the other hand Mr Mwasambu, appeared to contradict his boss, terming news of his resignation as mere rumours.

“For now, consider my resignation story as mere rumours but what I can affirm is that there is ongoing discussion over the same and I will keep you posted on the outcome of the discussions,” said Mr Mwasambu.

In September 2018, Mr Twaha was forced to reinstate two of his county executives, Raphael Munyua Ndung’u (Health) and Florence Ndung’u Wairimu (Agriculture and Water Development) following a successful court petition at the Mombasa Employment and Labour Relations Court.

The court ruled that the governor dismissed the two without any compelling reasons.

But their reinstatement was short-lived after Mr Twaha fired the two just hours later and even before they stepped into their offices.