Gov't sends over 100 employees from Gachagua's office on compulsory leave

In a letter signed by Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi, all heads of departments were directed to ensure they designate a responsible officer to take over operations forthwith. 

According to Mwangi, the directive ought to be in writing and should be copied to his address and Chief of Staff's Henry Koskei. 

"All Heads of Departments shall ensure conformity to these directives by 12:00 pm on October 19, 2024," the statement read in part. 

The document also detailed the list of 108 employees including their names, staff numbers, job titles and job grades. 

Among notable names include Njeri Rugene, Communication Strategist at the Deputy Presidential Communication Service (DPCS) as well as Rose Wangari Gakuo, Secretary at State Functions. 

The list has elicited mixed reactions as critics questioned the duplication of several roles at the DP's office including 10 Deputy directors of communications and 4 Assistant Directors of communications despite the call for austerity measures across the government. 

The decision comes amid the controversial impeachment of Gachagua as DP by the Senate on Thursday night.

A day after, President William Ruto forwarded Interior CS Kithure Kindiki's name to the National Assembly which garnered a unanimous approval. 

However, the courts provided Gachagua a lifeline after suspending the Senate impeachment and barring Kindiki from assuming office.