'Your jobs are safe!' Matiang'i assures Chiefs of protection from political harassment

Speaking in Makueni County on Thursday, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i highlighted that there are certain political entities that push for the ouster and relocation of government officers on unsubstantial grounds, assuring them of protection as long as they do not abuse their offices.

“We are aware of many demands and threats by politicians for the sackings and transfers of government officers,” CS Matiang’i told deputy county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs and their assistants in his address.

“The day we allow politicians to manage our personnel, we will have lost our focus. We will protect you for as long as your only crime is prosecuting the Government agenda.”

The CS however cautioned the officers not to get engrossed in party politics citing that their main focus should only be in endorsing the ruling government’s agenda and serving the people of Kenya.   

Matiang’i similarly stated that his Ministry is eager to mould and advance the careers of the administration officers based on their accomplishments.

"There is absolutely no reason why a hard-working chief should not rise to become a county commissioner or an even more senior rank. We have a deliberate programme to encourage chiefs to upgrade their certificates and to aspire to higher levels of leadership.”

After his address, the CS proceeded to Kajiado County where he oversaw the installation of Wilson Mpapapayo from Principal Chief to Senior Principal Chief.

Matiang’i, who was in the company of Environment CS Keriako Tobiko and Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, lauded Mpapayo describing him as a perfect example of public servants who go out of their way to serve their communities.

Mpapapyo has been instrumental in fostering peace between communities leaving along the borders of Kiambu and Kajiado counties and in the eradication of cattle theft in his area.