Senate probes trio over Saba Saba ‘holiday’

Three governors in western Kenya Thursday denied that they declared July 7 a public holiday.
Mr Jack Ranguma of Kisumu, Mr Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia) and Mr Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) denied making such declarations and said their accusers had blown the matter out of proportion.

The Senate has written to the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, seeking to know the legality of such declarations.

The letter from the Clerk of the Senate, Mr J.M. Nyegenye, also asked under what legal circumstances the governors declared the day a public holiday in their respective counties.

The Senate also sought information on the appropriate action to be taken against the governors who allegedly gave the directive.

But yesterday, Mr Ranguma said he only issued directives to staff to observe safety since the outcome of the Saba Saba Day events could not be predicted.

“I did not declare a public holiday. I only asked my employees to be cautious following uncertainties as the events of July 7 unfolded,” he said.
WERE ON DUTY

Mr Rasanga said he only asked county workers to observe the day, adding that work went on as usual and the county did not lose any revenue.

“I never called for a public holiday. The Senate has not communicated to us on the matter. We will respond when that notice reaches my desk,”

Mr Ojaamong said work was not disrupted in Busia on July 7, as all national and county government employees were on duty as usual.