The sweeping move was earlier made public by Moses Kuria, President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor Council of Economic Advisors, claiming that the purge affected three-quarters (3/4) of the entire workforce.
Days after the Senate upheld the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua and the National Assembly approved the nomination of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President, the Office of the Deputy President has begun a purge targeting 108 of Gachagua’s staffers.
Viral Tea has obtained an internal memo directing that the senior officials and contract staff in the Deputy President’s office were ordered to take immediate compulsory leave amid the constitutional process.
The sweeping move was earlier made public by Moses Kuria, President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor Council of Economic Advisors, claiming that the purge affected three-quarters (3/4) of the entire workforce.
“80% of the staff working in the Office of the Deputy President were from Mathira Constituency. Tonight they have all been sent on compulsory leave,” Kuria posted on X on Friday night, October 18, his sentiments alleging nepotism in the Office of the Deputy President.
This comes despite chaotic events surrounding the nomination and approval of Gachagua’s replacement and High Court orders blocking Kindiki from being sworn into office and assuming his new duties as the country’s second in command.
Outside the Office of the Deputy President. /FACEBOOK.NATION
Among those affected by the purge include Njeri Rugene, Gachagua’s special advisor who also headed the Deputy Presidential Communication Service (DPCS). The trained journalist who worked with the Nation was appointed two years ago by President Ruto to serve at Gachagua’s office.
Chief of Staff Elizabeth Wanjiku Wakogi was also among the names on the chopping board. In 2023, she was appointed in place of George McGoye who took the role of designated Ambassador to Djibouti.
Other names affected include Ibrahim Rashid Ahmed (advisor), Jane Wangui Kiringai (advisor), Paul Tirimba Machogu (advisor), Murimi Murimi Murage (advisor), Nancy Wambui Kangethe (Chief of Staff, OSDP), George Theuri (advisor), Munene Gathondu Pius (private secretary) and Eric Gichuhi Wachira (Deputy Chief of Staff).
Margaret Winnie Muthoni Namusonge (advisor), Ngunjiri Wambugu (advisor), Richard Nzioki Muteti (advisor), Allan Waweru Mburu (advisor), Leonard Saningo Ngaluma (Secretary Administration), Jefwa Arnold Mkare (Secretary Administration), Rose Wangari Gakuo (Secretary, State Functions) and Mwongela Francis Mikwa (Secretary, Press Services) were also listed.
“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 memo read in part.
“All Heads of Departments are directed to ensure they designate in writing a responsible officer to be in charge of their respective Departments with a copy to the Chief of staff and the Principal Administrative Secretary; All serving officers in Supernumerary Contracts shall also proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect; All Heads of Departments shall ensure conformity to these directives by 1200hrs on 19th October 2024.”
Here is the list of staffers set to proceed on compulsory leave:
The move comes amidst speculation that Deputy President-Elect Prof. Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in was to happen on Saturday despite the court order in a cryptic tweet. President Ruto nominated Kindiki as Gachagua’s replacement following the latter’s impeachment by both the National Assembly and Senate. The National Assembly approved the nomination, sparking off speculation that Kindiki could be sworn in on Saturday.
This was even after the court suspended the Senate’s decision to uphold the National Assembly’s October 8 impeachment of Gachagua and stopped Ruto from appointing his replacement.
The former Cabinet Secretary fueled more speculations in the tweet which he accompanied with several photos and videos that appeared to show preparations in top gear at the Uhuru Gardens, the presumed venue for the purported oath-taking ceremony.
He claimed that the purported swearing-in would take place on Saturday at Uhuru Gardens from 9 am and that the gates would be closed once the swearing-in arena is full citing that the government “cannot afford a Constitutional crisis”.
“The swearing-in will take place tomorrow at Uhuru Gardens from 9am. No cards required. Gates will be closed once the swearing-in arena is full. We cannot afford a Constitutional crisis. We cannot be another Sudan with 2 Presidents. For the sake of our nation and our families, we will swear in Kithure Kindiki as President in Waiting. Courts can deposit their ruling in the pigeonholes. Karibuni Uhuru Gardens 9am,” said Kuria.
A section of Kenyans reacted to Kuria’s tweet with some wondering whether the laying of the stage at the Uhuru Gardens, coupled with Kuria’s cryptic post, lend credence to the swearing-in speculation.
Fact Check
Viral Tea has since established that no official government function is set to take place on October 19, with the inspection tours made ahead of a concert set to be held later in the night.