Days after his turbulent exit from Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (Eldowas), former CEO Pete Biwott has re-applied for the top position.
Many, including the current board under David Singoei, have been surprised by this move, as Biwott is now one of the 25 candidates vying to lead the renowned water and sanitation firm in Eldoret.
According to sources within the state corporation, Biwott’s reapplication comes after his controversial exit, which saw him leave amid a significant uproar.
Biwott has been on a countywide campaign in recent weeks, ostensibly as a prelude to a future bid in elective politics, but some see his strategy of publicly criticising senior county officials, including the governor, as counterproductive and potentially damaging to his prospects.
Despite receiving assurances of a second term prior to his departure, Biwott’s actions damaged his reputation.
Concerns are mounting that his depleted salary advance and questionable performance review might negatively impact his chances for reappointment.
Eldowas employees have voiced their discontent, with some expressing strong opposition to his potential return.
“Bitter Biwott is seeking to make a comeback,” one senior maintenance employee posted in a WhatsApp group, which sparked significant backlash from fellow members.
Another employee added, “It’s as though Biwott thinks Eldowas is part of his father’s cows.”
The employees are now planning to petition the board, urging them to avoid making the mistake of shortlisting Biwott, whom they accuse of mismanaging the organisation, mishandling finances, and neglecting human resources.
Allegations of resource mismanagement, including a reported loss of about KSh 180 million, plague Biwott’s tenure.
This financial discrepancy, uncovered in 2022, involved the diversion of funds under the guise of COVID-19-related financial strain, a matter now under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
As Biwott faces the daunting task of clearing his name, the Eldowas board is meticulously reviewing the credentials of all applicants.
Among those vying for the position are Ruth Chepyagan, the current HR Director; Fredrick Kosgey, the acting Managing Director; Edwin Bett, the outgoing county secretary; Philip Matelong, the governor’s economic adviser; Ambrose Tarus, the Public Service Management Chief Officer; Timothy Kiptala, the acting Head of Technical Services; Zipporah Kessio, formerly of Nzoia Sugar Company; and Kassim Kimutai, the youngest applicant.
Other contenders include Nicholas Chepkwony, the governor’s Chief of Staff; Jonah Lamai, the county Head of Revenue; and Lawrence Tanui, Chief Finance Officer at Amaco Insurance.
People eagerly await the board’s decision as they sift through the candidates’ applications, scrutinising their qualifications and suitability for the role.
