Quit, Raila tells PSs keen on politics

By MOSES NJAGIH

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged public servants eyeing elective positions in the forthcoming elections to make up their minds and quit their jobs to avoid conflict of interest.

Raila told the civil servants to decide on whether to remain in public service or join politics.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged public servants seeking elective positions  in the forthcoming election to quit. [PHOTO: File/ Standard]

The PM said their continued stay in office could compromise delivery of services as the Grand Coalition Government’s term reaches the homestretch.

"You must make an early decision to avoid conflict of interest and hampering service delivery. Choose whether you want to remain in civil service or want to join politics," said Raila when he presided over the signing of performance contracts for ministries and government departments.

Declared interest

Ministers and their Permanent Secretaries, who signed the contracts on behalf of their staff, attended the function.

Raila’s urge appeared apparently targeted at the PSs who have declared interest in elective positions.

Education PS James ole Kiyiapi has been conducting campaigns for the presidency. Others said to be eyeing elective positions include his Livestock counterpart Ken Lusaka interested in the Governor’s position in Bungoma, acting Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia, who is said to be interested in a seat in Nyandarua, Immigration PS Mr Emanuel Kisombe and Forestry and Wildlife’s Mr Mohamed Wamwachai, who is aspiring to be Kwale County Governor.

Administration Police Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua and Higher Education Loans Board Chief Executive Benjamin Cheboi are also said to be angling for positions in Nakuru and Baringo counties, respectively.

The Constitution stipulates that civil servants intending to contest in elections must resign from their positions seven months before the polls.

But although the election date is still a matter of speculation, Raila said the earlier the officers left to concentrate on politics, the better to avoid compromising their official duties.

"Announce even if it is tomorrow and go into politics instead of clinging on," he said.

Raila said with the term of the Coalition Government coming to its end in a matter of months, it was crucial that synergies be directed towards service delivery.

"As the coalition Government approaches its sunset we hope to leave a lasting mark on service delivery...to leave a lasting impression that the Grand Coalition Government did work for our people," he said.

Raila said the new contracts signed had factored in constitutional requirements on consumer rights and values and principles of public service.