Machakos deputy governor's office cleared

Reinstated Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala addresses the press in what used to be his office when he reported back to work on August 20, 2014. PHOTO | KNA

The recently reinstated Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala on Wednesday received an embarrassing welcome when he returned to his office to find it "cleared".

The doors to the office, as well as the furniture, had been removed and some of the staff members attached to his office allegedly suspended.

Addressing the press and some of the staff, the visibly shocked deputy Governor said he had reported ready for work only to find the office door removed, furniture missing and cement mortar poured inside.

He said his inquiries had indicated that the office was under renovation, but wondered why he was not informed of the decision.

'SPREADING PROPAGANDA'

But when contacted, Governor Alfred Mutua said there was no truth in Mr Kiala's claims about the condition of the office.

The county secretary, Francis Mwaka, supported the governor's assertion, saying the office furniture and doors were intact.

He accused Mr Kiala of spreading propaganda.

“There is no truth in the claims,” Dr Mutua said in an SMS.

Mr Kiala has been embroiled in a war of words with Dr Mutua, culminating in a bid to impeach him.

The governor stripped him of his ministerial portfolio on Monday.