Uasin Gishu: Elected leaders and senior government officials have been warned against demanding monetary payments from desperate youth in exchange for job opportunities. Nominated Member of Parliament, MP Bishop Emeritus Jackson Kosgei, emphasized that it was unacceptable for leaders and senior government employees to ask for money from job seekers to secure employment.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bishop Kosgei highlighted the issue of demanding Sh500,000 to Sh600,000 from job seekers for positions such as teaching, or pressuring parents to sell land to secure jobs for their children in the police force or military. He equated this practice to robbing the needy. Bishop Kosgei urged leaders to avoid exploiting the less fortunate and to be equitable to all, regardless of their social standing.
Speaking during a church event at Chepkanga A.I.C. in Uasin Gishu county, Bishop Kosgei, who represents persons with disabilities in parliament, criticized the conduct of leaders who trade employment letters for bribes. He warned those involved that their misconduct would eventually be exposed. The bishop appealed to leaders and senior officials to act justly for all Kenyans, regardless of their background, and not for political gain.
The MP urged fairness in the upcoming police recruitment exercise scheduled between July and December. He implored those responsible to ensure that opportunities in the police service are awarded based on merit, without soliciting bribes. He stressed the importance of conducting the recruitment process transparently, without exploiting those in need.
Bishop Kosgei also called on Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir to safeguard poor landowners from losing their properties to affluent individuals due to their inability to pay fees for title deeds. He highlighted the plight of some families in Uasin Gishu who risk losing their land because they cannot afford the required fees, making them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous elites.
He urged the Principal Secretary to protect the vulnerable from influential figures aiming to illegally acquire their property.