KAKAMEGA, Kenya — Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has suspended Chief Officer for Economic Planning and Investment Samuel Limisi Imbwaka and appointed an acting replacement to ensure continuity of county operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Barasa said the suspension was effected in line with provisions of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, the Public Service Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual, and the Kakamega County Human Resource Manual.
“Pursuant to Section 25 of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, Section J.18 of the Public Service Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual, 2016, and Section 18 of the Kakamega County Human Resource Manual, 2022, I have suspended Chief Officer Samuel Limisi Imbwaka of the Department of Economic Planning and Investment,” the governor said.
However, the county government did not disclose the specific allegations or circumstances that led to the suspension.
Acting Chief Officer Appointed
To avoid disruption of services within the department, Barasa appointed Diminah Chikamai to take over the role in an acting capacity.
“In the interim, CPA Diminah Chikamai shall assume the responsibilities of the office in an acting capacity to ensure continuity and uninterrupted service delivery,” the statement added.
The Department of Economic Planning and Investment plays a key role in coordinating county development planning, budgeting, investment promotion, and implementation of economic programmes.
Growing Focus on Accountability
The suspension comes amid increased scrutiny of public officials across both national and county governments over integrity and accountability issues.
The move follows a similar decision by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who last week suspended Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo pending the outcome of investigations involving the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Sakaja directed that Analo be barred from accessing his office, official documents, and county systems during the period of investigation, while appointing Dominic Mutegi as acting chief officer.
Integrity in Public Service
In announcing the Nairobi suspension, Sakaja reiterated the county government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
“Every public officer is individually accountable for their actions and must be prepared to answer to the law where allegations of wrongdoing arise,” he said.
