108 staff from impeached DP Gachagua’s office sent packing
The government has sent 108 employees domiciled at the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s office on compulsory leave hours after the court issued conservatory orders suspending Senate decision to ouster him from office and barred any replacement process until October 22, 2024 when the matter filed in court will be mentioned.
In a letter dated October 18, 2024, Principal Administrative Secretary at the Office of the Deputy President (ODP) Patrick Mwangi said the directive affects all officers in Job Groups T and U.
Mwangi instructed all heads of departments to appoint responsible officers to oversee their respective departments during the leave period.
He further directed that the designated officers must be communicated in writing, with copies sent to both the Chief of Staff and the Principal Administrative Secretary.
“Following the ongoing Constitutional process affecting His Excellency the Deputy President, it has been decided as follows; All officers in Job Groups T and U are hereby instructed to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.” The letter read in part.
Additionally, all serving officers in supernumerary contracts shall also proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.
Heads of Departments have been given a strict deadline of 12:00 PM today, October 19, 2024 to ensure compliance with the said directives. However, today is on a weekend.
The memo, copied to Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, required the administrative action affecting at least nineteen senior officials enforced by midday today.
Yesterday, separately, High Court in Nairobi and Kirinyaga issued conservatory orders suspending the Senate decision impeach and replace Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pending a determination by a bench to be constituted by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Justice Chacha Mwita issued the conservatory order today after Gachagua challenged his removal in court, noting that the case raises “serious constitutional issues” that require a panel of uneven judges.
However, president William Ruto today nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the DP and forwarded his name to the National Assembly for approval vote which was hurriedly executed, voted and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula issued a special gazette notice declaring Kindiki as the Deputy President-elect.
The court decision and the latest compulsory leave directive to ODP’s staff comes as the embattled and ailing and now hospitalised Gachagua is recuperating at the Karen Hospital.
