There has been a troubling rise in the number of ghost workers and imposters operating at Nairobi’s City Hall, with those tasked with addressing the issue appearing to fall short of their duties. One glaring example is Boniface Ochieng, a former county employee who officially retired in December last year but continues to perform his previous responsibilities.
Ochieng, whose job involved supervising the fueling of county vehicles and signing work tickets, no longer appears on the county payroll. Despite this, he allegedly still oversees fueling activities and authorizes work tickets as if he were still an employee, according to sources.
The sources confirm that Ochieng’s name was removed from the payroll, which means he is no longer receiving a salary. This raises concerns about how he sustains himself financially. Investigations suggest he earns an illicit income by manipulating fueling records in collusion with filling station owners. Allegedly, Ochieng makes an average of Ksh 2,000 daily by taking a cut of profits from these schemes.
It is reported that he collaborates with certain drivers, sharing the proceeds with them. However, a section of drivers have resisted his scheme by refusing to let him sign their work tickets. Ochieng’s continued presence and activities are reportedly enabled by his former supervisor, Njogu, who authorized him to remain in his role after retirement.
Critics warn that Ochieng’s unauthorized involvement poses significant risks. If an accident occurs and an investigation reveals that the work ticket was signed by an unauthorized person, insurance claims could be denied. This would leave the county exposed to potential liabilities, including compensation for injuries or fatalities.
Reports from the Auditor General have previously flagged rampant mismanagement of county resources, particularly in vehicle maintenance and fueling. Ochieng allegedly uses a county fuel card to refuel both county and private vehicles, pocketing half the cost from private vehicle owners while altering records to disguise them as county vehicles.
Some drivers are now calling on the Governor to intervene, urging the removal of ghost workers and imposters like Ochieng. These revelations underline the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability in City Hall’s operations.
