Top performers targeted in corruption purge, says Ngilu

Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu. The CS claims top performers in Cabinet have been targeted in the alleged corruption purge. FILE PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• The suspensions represent the most notable Cabinet bloodbath in connection with corruption since the Anglo Leasing scandal was exposed in 2006.

Suspended Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu has claimed that top performers in the Cabinet are being targeted in the alleged corruption purge.

She said in a press briefing on Monday that she has been wrongfully accused after President Kenyatta asked those mentioned in the graft report to step aside.

Charity Ngilu, a one-time presidential candidate and one of the most successful women in politics, stepped aside on Sunday as Cabinet secretary for Lands.

Her Labour counterpart, Kazungu Kambi, also obeyed the suspension orders even as he protested his innocence.

Francis Kimemia, secretary to the Cabinet, and a powerful Office of the President mandarin over the past 15 years, also bowed out.

This brings to five the number of Cabinet secretaries who have left office to be investigated over corruption, and follows Mr Kenyatta’s State of the Nation address on Thursday during which he directed those named in a dossier to temporarily leave office.

The suspensions represent the most notable Cabinet bloodbath in connection with corruption since the Anglo Leasing scandal was exposed in 2006.

The dossier has named 175 public officials, including powerful governors, who the President insists must leave office until they are cleared of all allegations.