The Uasin Gishu County Public Service Board has appointed Elizeba Busienei as the new Eldoret city manager.
Busienei takes over following a prolonged dispute over the position, which saw outgoing city manager Tito Koiyet challenge his removal in court. The board settled on Busienei after interviewing several candidates.
Eldoret was elevated to city status last year, but wrangles ensued after Koiyet was locked out of office on multiple occasions. Earlier this year, he reported being assaulted by unknown individuals who stormed his office.
Three weeks ago, Koiyet returned from leave to find his office locked, prompting him to protest outside and announce plans to seek fresh contempt proceedings against county officials.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret had previously ordered the status quo to be maintained pending the hearing of Koiyet’s case challenging his removal.
“The court had ordered that I remain in office pending hearing of my case,” Koiyet said at the time.
Meanwhile, operations at the city manager’s office were disrupted following the reported assault. Koiyet recorded a statement with police, but no arrests have been made.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said investigations into the incident were ongoing.
Koiyet’s tenure, along with that of city board chairman Julius Kitur, ended last month. The county public service board has since advertised for members of a new nine-member city board.
The city manager and the city board oversee Eldoret’s daily operations, including planning and service delivery. Board members report to the county government, which funds their activities.
BY MATHEWS NDANYI
