Kakamega county Secretary Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo is the talk of the town after she was charged for issuing death threats against a number of Kakamega county employees who had confronted her on violating the county governments Act and that of Salaries and Remuneration.
She was expected in court last week but the Director of Public Prosecutions ordered her file returned to Nairobi for further perusal and directions, a move sources say is an effect of powerful forces that are working behind the scenes to stop her prosecution.
Aluoch allegedly issued death threats against County Executive Committee Member for Public Service Beatrice Saban and Joshua Kutekha, an accounting officer in Governor Wycliffe Oparanya’s office.
Other complainants are Peter Lukoye, a former chief officer in the Department of Public Service and Administration and Michael Mukolwe, a former Transport officer in the county.
Aluoch is also accused of corruption and abuse of office by paying allowances and benefits running into thousands of shillings to her driver and two armed bodyguards.
The county secretary is said to have listed the security team and driver on the county payroll system despite not being county employees.
When confronted, Aluoch’s allegedly claimed she was only answerable to Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, and would “shoot” those opposed to her actions as she was the holder of a certified firearm.
She was arrested on June 11, this year while at the county offices by sleuths from the Director of Criminal Investigations - Western Region and is out on a police cash bail of Sh100,000.
Patrick Gumo, the senior assistant director of Public Prosecutions for Western Region ordered for her arrest and prosecution on June 9, this year.“Investigations and records show there is overwhelming evidence to warrant charge and prosecution of the county secretary,’’ read part of the DPP’s letter.