The Office of the Deputy President has initiated a mass purge targeting 108 staff members. This follows the Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment and the subsequent nomination of Kithure Kindiki as his replacement.
An internal memo obtained by Citydigest News reveals that senior officials and contract staff were ordered to take immediate compulsory leave. This sweeping decision impacts a significant portion of the workforce at the Deputy President’s office.
The internal memo outlined specific instructions for staff members, particularly those in Job Groups T and U. It ordered them to proceed on compulsory leave immediately. Heads of departments were also directed to assign a responsible officer to manage their departments during the transition.
“Following the ongoing Constitutional process affecting His Excellency the Deputy President, it has been decided as follows; All officers in Job Groups T and U are hereby instructed to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect,” the memo stated.
The document further instructed that officers under supernumerary contracts were also expected to comply with the directive, signaling the start of a significant restructuring process within the office.
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According to Moses Kuria, President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor, the purge affected three-quarters of the entire workforce, with Kuria alleging nepotism.
“80% of the staff working in the Office of the Deputy President were from Mathira Constituency. Tonight, they have all been sent on compulsory leave,” Kuria posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on October 18.
Among those affected by the layoffs are prominent figures such as Njeri Rugene, who served as Gachagua’s special advisor and led the Deputy Presidential Communication Service (DPCS). Rugene, a former journalist with Nation, was appointed two years ago by President Ruto.
Elizabeth Wanjiku Wakogi, the Chief of Staff, was also on the list. She had only been appointed last year, replacing George McGoye, who moved to serve as the Ambassador to Djibouti. Other notable names include advisors Ibrahim Rashid Ahmed, Jane Wangui Kiringai, and Paul Tirimba Machogu.
This staff shake-up comes amid ongoing political instability surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment. Although Kindiki has been approved by the National Assembly to take over as Deputy President, legal battles are delaying his swearing-in. A High Court order currently blocks Kindiki from officially assuming office, adding further uncertainty to the situation.
Despite these legal challenges, rumors circulated online that Kindiki’s swearing-in was imminent, sparking intense speculation. A tweet from Kuria hinted that preparations were underway for a ceremony at Uhuru Gardens, which he described as set for Saturday October 19 at 9 am. However, CityDigest News has confirmed that no official swearing-in is scheduled today, with preparations being made for a concert instead.
