Questions emerge as Jacque Maribe's appointment stirs controversy

Jacque Maribe. [Courtesy]

In a twist of events, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has denied his involvement in the alleged appointment of former TV presenter Jacque Maribe as the Head of his Communication team.

Kuria on Thursday evening said he had not conducted any interviews for the post, nor announced Maribe's appointment at any point.

"Contrary to reports, I have never been interviewed by the media House nor made any comment or announcement about Jacque Maribe," the CS said.

He says he will present himself at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Kiambu Road to record a statement over forgery, from a text message purported to have come from him.

But even with the goings on, Kuria however promised to "stand with Maribe" in the wake of the developments, owing to their "long friendship."

"Meanwhile I stand with Jacque Maribe, my friend for the last 16 years and I will stand with her just like I stood with Governor Kawira Mwangaza in the wake of unjustified bullying."

Yesterday, the Public Service Commission (PSC) disowned Maribe's appointment, stating that the position was never declared vacant.

According to PSC Chairperson Anthony Muchiri, if there was a vacancy in the said position, it would have been filled through a competitive recruitment process.

This comes days after Maribe confirmed to The Standard that she landed a job at the Ministry of Public Service.

Shortly after the alleged appointment, she was seen posting and following the CS to various events, with the latest being Kuria's tour of vocational training colleges in Nakuru.

Maribe, clad in a white suit, was seen alighting a government vehicle and even issued a press release that invited media for coverage.

The former TV Journalist's entry into government continues to generate controversy as questions on who appointed her arise, and in what capacity is she performing at the Ministry.