Suspended officials might get jobs back in three months

Four permanent secretaries suspended due to scandals in their ministries could get their jobs back in three months if investigations are not concluded by then, Government spokesman Alfred Mutua has said.

Dr Mutua said the government was considering indicating how long the investigations and hearings should take in court.

He noted that some investigations had taken a long time to conclude, and emphasised that corruption cases, especially those involving public funds, should be concluded in a year.

Dr Mutua said if the investigations were not concluded in three months, the government officials would resume their duties as they could be innocent.

Dr Mutua, who was speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, said the four acting permanent secretaries appointed to replace those suspended would hold brief until investigations into graft claims against their seniors were completed.

The temporary elevations of Mr Andrew Mondoh (Office of the Prime Minister), Mr Moses Gitari (Special Programmes), Ms Magdalene Wambua (Education) and Mr Kiritu Wamae (Agriculture) were announced on Wednesday.

“It is only natural that somebody must act when the boss is not there. Therefore it was decided to appoint the next officers in command,” he said.

The former permanent secretaries, Prof Karega Mutahi (Education), Dr Mohammed Isahakia (office of the Prime Minister), Mr Ali Mohamed (Special Programmes) and Dr Romano Kiome (Agriculture) were suspended on Saturday by President Mwai Kibaki.