Top aides in Raila's office quit over maize scandal

Two top aides in Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s office on Saturday said they had stepped aside to allow for investigations into the maize scandal.

In a statement to newsrooms, Permanent Secretary Mohammed Isahakia and Chief of Staff Caroli Omondi said they had quit so as to give Mr Odinga a free hand to deal decisively on the issue.

"I have taken this decision not withstanding the fact that PricewaterhouseCoopers, having now seen the relevant documentary proof, have confirmed that I acted on the authority of the Cabinet," Mr Omondi said.

Mr Omondi further stated that his position should not be used as a shield by others who would not take responsibility for their actions.

"I call upon the ministers, my colleagues, permanent secretaries and other State officials mentioned in the report to show courage and take responsibility," he added.

Dr Isahakia also said he had temporarily quit from his position after being mentioned in an audit report. "I have today decided to step aside to facilitate the due process of law in respect of the final PwC report," he said.

This comes a day after the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture said it would summon Mr Odinga over the maize scandal.

Committee chairman John Mututho on Friday said his committee would issue summons to the PM through the clerk to the parliament in accordance with protocol.

He said the team would meet on Monday to agree on an appropriate date to summon Mr Odinga, Dr Isahakia and Mr Omondi.

According to the PwC audit report, the Grand Coalition’s first Cabinet meeting passed a highly defective scheme whose massive loopholes led to the country’s worst ever maize scandal.

Fresh from the deadly post-2007 General Election crisis, the bloated 42-member Cabinet is said to have hurriedly endorsed a maize subsidy scheme with many weaknesses, in order to “be seen to be working”.

Additional reporting by Dave Opiyo