PSs complain about ‘selective discipline’

Permanent secretaries are a worried lot following a spate of interdictions of their colleagues while their political bosses get away scot-free.

Permanent secretaries met at Harambee House on Monday to discuss the recent suspensions.

One of them, who sought anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the working environment had been polluted by corruption and the selective administration of discipline.

The meeting, chaired by Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, discussed government projects being implemented under Vision 2030 before it turned to the suspension controversy.

“There is very little PSs can do without briefing their ministers as they do not want to be insubordinate. We should not be brought down so easily when politicians at the top enjoy State protection,” another PS said.

Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said PSs should not be afraid of speaking out if they felt selective discipline was being exercised.

“Corruption must be fought truthfully and confidently. My brothers should not fear giving details touching on their bosses,” he told Nation.
He confirmed a meeting of PSs had been held but refused to comment further.

Last month, President Kibaki nullified Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s suspension of two ministers over corruption allegations, saying he had not been consulted.

Top officials

The President said the legal provisions on which the Premier acted did not confer him the authority to cause a minister to vacate his or her office.

“Therefore constitutionally, the two ministers remain in office,” President Kibaki said in reversing the suspension of Agriculture minister William Ruto and his Education counterpart, Samuel Ongeri.

On Monday, 13 top officials in the ministries of Local Government and Finance were suspended over corruption allegations.

The officials were interdicted in connection with the fraudulent purchase of 120 acres for a cemetery in Mavoko Township at a cost of Sh283 million when the true value of the plot was Sh30 million.