Gachagua’s staff ordered to proceed on leave

By Peter Ochieng

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s staff have been ordered to proceed on compulsory leave, with immediate effect.

According to a memo under subject, ‘Directive to proceed on leave,’ signed by Patrick Mwangi, Principal Administrative Secretary seen by Nairobi Review, all officers in job groups T and U were instructed to proceed on leave with immediate effect.

“Following the ongoing constitutional process affecting His Excellency the Deputy President, it has been decided as follows,” the memo reads in part.

Upon leaving office of the affected staff, by midday, Saturday, October 19, 2024, all heads of departments are required to ensure they designate in writing a responsible officer to be in charge of their respective departments with a cop to the Chief of Staff and the Principal Administrative Secretary.

The memo is copied to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. “All serving officers in supernumerary contracts shall also proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect,” the memo adds.

Reports indicate that over 10 senior officers and advisors have been affected by the government’s move.

Gachagua’s impeachment was upheld by the Senate on Thursday night, making him the first Deputy President to be removed from office since promulgation of the 2010 constitution.

However, he got a reprieve on Friday afternoon, after the High Court judge, Chacha Mwita suspended his impeachment and subsequent appointment of his replacement, until 24th October, 2024.

“I am satisfied that the petition and application raise monumental constitutional issues touching not only at the heart of a functioning constitution but also its fundamental tenets of the rule of law and human rights,” ruled Justice Mwita.

“That due to the significance of issues raised in the petition and application, I certify this matter as raising substantial questions of law and public interest.”

President William Ruto has already nominated Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as the next Deputy President.

The National Assembly on Friday approved Kindiki’s nomination.