Mandera North Sub-County is witnessing an administrative standoff after the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mr. Justin Maina Kamau (P/No. 2009066794, ID No. 10626538) reportedly refused to vacate his office following a transfer to another sub-county in the same capacity.
The transfer, intended to facilitate smooth administrative operations across Mandera County, has been met with resistance, leaving a vacuum in the sub-county he was supposed to join.
Meanwhile, a colleague transferred to Mandera North has been stranded in Rhamu Town for over a week, unable to assume duties due to Mr. Kamau’s refusal to hand over office responsibilities.
Sources indicate that Mr. Kamau is deliberately insisting on remaining in his post to maintain control over Chinese projects in the area, with critics saying his stance is clearly driven by personal financial gain rather than any legitimate administrative duty.
They argue that his refusal to hand over office responsibilities not only obstructs the proper functioning of the sub-county but also raises serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the misuse of public office for private benefit.
Adding to the controversy, Mandera North MP Major (Rtd) Bashir Abdullahi is said to support the DCC’s decision, citing the need for continuity in project management, a move some sources say effectively shields Mr. Kamau from facing consequences for flouting transfer orders and exploiting lucrative projects for personal gain.
This has sparked concerns among local stakeholders, who question the legality of the DCC acting simultaneously as a county administrator and project coordinator for foreign contractors.
Local officials warn that the situation could set a dangerous precedent if not addressed promptly, as it undermines county administrative protocols and raises questions about accountability in managing public projects.
“Hello Cyprian. Kindly help expose this. Mandera North DCC, Mr. Justin Maina Kamau (P/No. 2009066794, ID No. 10626538), has refused to vacate office after being transferred to another sub-county in the same capacity. His colleague, who was transferred to Mandera North, has been stranded in Rhamu Town for the past one week. He is demanding to stay longer to complete some projects with Chinese contractors. The area MP, Major Bashir Abdullahi, is in support of the rogue DCC, who is also acting as both DCC and Chinese project coordinator.”
