By Habil Onyango
Homa Bay County Assembly on Tuesday appointed a new clerk to replace embattled former Acting Clerk Anne Ager.
Day Ochieng Abeka, previously the Chief Officer of Lands and Physical Planning, was appointed in an acting capacity following his secondment from the Homa Bay County Executive. He took the oath of office and assumed the role immediately.
According to County Speaker Julius Gaya, the County Assembly Public Service Board resolved on Monday, 4 November, before making the appointment.
“The appointment follows resolutions from the Board, which in their wisdom decided to source an acting clerk from the executive,” said Gaya.
The speaker explained that they reached this decision after recognising the high level of interest in the position among Assembly staff. “To ensure the smooth running of the house, we requested the Executive, through Public Service Board Secretary Professor Ben Muok, to provide a suitable individual,” he added.
Ager and the Speaker were summoned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on 2 October 2024 for an interview and to produce various documents for the commission.
The summons stated in part, “To facilitate the investigations, the Office invites the following individuals for interview: Julius Odhiambo Gaya and Anne Ager.”
In the summons, EACC Regional Boss Kipsang Sambai directed the former clerk to present certain documents, including Ager’s personnel file, her appointment letter, and records from the County Assembly Service Board that appointed her as Acting Clerk.
In his acceptance, Abeka assured his commitment to upholding values, integrity, and the mission of the Assembly.
He noted that the clerk’s role, which is service-oriented, demands impartiality, dedication, transparency, accountability, and straightforwardness. He pledged his support to all members, regardless of party affiliation or perspective.
Abeka further promised to ensure adherence to Assembly policies and to provide administrative support to all those the Assembly serves.
“I have been impressed by the house’s recent performance, especially in light of its recent high rankings above other assemblies,” he remarked.
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