Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok to Face Senate Committee Over Alleged Unlawful Dismissal

Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok is set to appear before the Senate Committee on Education this Thursday, amid allegations surrounding the abrupt dismissal of a county employee, Robert Chebusit, an early childhood development education (ECDE) teacher. The appearance follows a growing controversy regarding the treatment of ECDE teachers in Bomet County, especially in light of Chebusit’s advocacy for their rights.

Chebusit’s employment was terminated by the county public service board in May 2024, a decision that has raised significant concerns about the legality and fairness of the process. The matter was brought to the Senate’s attention by Senator Hillary Sigei during a session on August 6, where he highlighted the troubling nature of Chebusit’s dismissal, which reportedly occurred without prior notice or clear justification.

According to Senator Sigei, Chebusit’s termination is believed to be linked to his efforts to champion the rights and welfare of ECDE teachers, a role he maintained as the secretary of the Bomet ECDE Teachers Association. His commitment to advocating for better working conditions included filing a petition before the Senate on September 20, 2023, detailing various grievances faced by ECDE teachers in the region.

The petition cited serious issues, including prolonged service without confirmation, non-payment and underpayment of salaries, and a lack of professional development opportunities. These concerns reflect a broader pattern of systemic issues affecting educators in Bomet, where many teachers feel marginalized and undervalued.

In light of these events, Senator Sigei is pushing for a thorough investigation by the Senate Committee, chaired by Murang’a Senator Joseph Nyutu. The senator is demanding a comprehensive report outlining the circumstances that led to Chebusit’s dismissal. Specifically, he is interested in whether due process was followed, the legal basis for the termination, and if any internal disciplinary procedures were adhered to prior to Chebusit’s firing.

Furthermore, Sigei is advocating for the committee to scrutinize any potential connections between Chebusit’s advocacy efforts and his dismissal. He asserts that the committee should explore whether the actions taken by the county government in response to the grievances raised in the petition contributed to Chebusit’s termination. This inquiry is crucial to determining whether Chebusit’s dismissal was an act of retaliation for his efforts to seek justice for ECDE teachers.

In a broader context, Senator Sigei’s call for action seeks to ensure that the rights of ECDE teachers and other workers in Bomet County are protected. He emphasizes the need for measures to safeguard individuals advocating for improved working conditions, stressing that they should not be subjected to victimization or personal vendettas. This is particularly pertinent in a climate where educators face significant challenges and may be hesitant to speak out against injustices for fear of retaliation.

As the scheduled appearance of Governor Barchok before the Senate Committee approaches, stakeholders across Bomet County are keenly watching the developments. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for the future of ECDE education in the region, potentially setting a precedent for how the rights of teachers are upheld and how grievances are addressed.

In a time when education is pivotal for national development, ensuring that teachers are treated fairly and justly is essential. The outcome of this Senate committee hearing may not only influence the fate of Robert Chebusit but also shape the working conditions for countless educators in Bomet County and beyond. The unfolding situation highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in the management of public service employees, particularly those dedicated to nurturing the next generation.