The National Government Administration is in turmoil following blatant injustices in the latest round of promotions, where merit has been discarded in favour of nepotism, tribalism, and outright corruption. At least 13 senior officials, despite being the most qualified and vetted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), were passed over in favour of their juniors.
The Public Service Commission, the body legally mandated to oversee appointments, had recommended these officials for elevation after a rigorous selection process. However, in a move that has sparked outrage, their names were ignored, and instead, individuals with personal connections to senior government figures were installed in key positions.
The vacancies for county commissioners were officially advertised on 24 February 2024, with interviews conducted in March. The PSC identified 13 individuals who had excelled in the process: Mutua Mbela, Charles Mukele, Geofrey Taragon, Edwin Chabari, Patrick Simiyu Were, Joshua Marete, Patrick Muriira, Muthike Ndambuki, Stalaus Apkokha, Shufaa Omar, David Rotich, Charles Igiha, and Mtile Lewa Joseph. Yet, when the appointments were made, these qualified candidates were discarded without explanation.
Allegations have surfaced that appointments were being handed out for as much as KSh 500,000, with some junior officers leapfrogging their seniors due to political affiliations and friendships with key government figures. Many of those who benefited from this crooked system did not even attend the mandatory interviews, flouting legal and ethical requirements.
This blatant disregard for meritocracy is a slap in the face for professionals who have served with distinction, many of whom are now contemplating resignation. Some of the sidelined commissioners occupy higher job groups than those they are now expected to take orders from—a demoralising and unsustainable situation.
The crisis highlights the hypocrisy of a government that publicly champions transparency and accountability while secretly fostering a culture of impunity. The Interior Ministry, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, has failed to explain this miscarriage of justice.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who previously oversaw the Interior docket, must also answer for the rampant favouritism that flourished under his watch. If the government is serious about upholding integrity in public service, immediate action is imperative.
President William Ruto cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this scandal. The PSC is mandated by law to oversee promotions, yet it has been overruled by shadowy forces prioritising personal and political interests over national service. The President must launch an independent investigation and hold those responsible to account.
Failure to act will not only demoralise dedicated public servants but also erode public trust in his administration’s ability to root out corruption.
This scandal is a litmus test for Kenya’s governance structures. If unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent where loyalty to power trumps competence. If the government values professionalism and integrity, it must act decisively to rectify this injustice. Otherwise, Kenyans should brace themselves for a public service that rewards sycophancy over service, incompetence over excellence, and corruption over credibility.
The question remains: will those in power do the right thing, or will this scandal be buried like so many others before it?
