Suspended PS back to work, others expected

One of four permanent secretaries suspended over the maize and free primary education scandals went back to work on Thursday as reports indicated that the other three were expected.

Agriculture PS Romano Kiome was back in his office after a three-month suspension and even chaired a meeting of senior ministry officials.

Sources also told Nation that Office of the Prime Minister PS Mohamed Isahakia, Special Programmes ministry PS Ali Dawood Mohammed, his Education counterpart, Prof Karega Mutahi, and the PM’s principal secretary Caroli Omondi would resume duty on Monday.

Mr Omondi had been expected back at work on Thursday but was said to be out of the country. But the PM’s office said no one had been reinstated and spokesman Dennis Onyango said the Office of the President, which suspended the four, had not made an announcement.

“The suspension was done by the Office of the President and it is only fair that they make a formal announcement,” Mr Onyango said.

Last February 13, President Kibaki suspended Dr Isahakia, Dr Kiome, Prof Mutahi, and Mr Mohammed after they were linked to the maize and education scandals.

On Thursday, the Nation visited the suspended officials’ ministries. At Agriculture, the staff said the PS “had only reported this morning” and could not talk to the press.

“Please give him time,” said an employee who cannot be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media. At Special Programmes, a source said Mr Mohammed had been expected but did not turn up after he was alerted of the media presence.

At the PM’s office, there was no sign of Dr Isahakia and Mr Omondi. Mr Onyango told the press to check with the President if they had been reinstated.

It could not be establish if the PSs were cleared as the probe teams from the Office of the President and the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission have not yet released their reports.