The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has invited Uasin Gishu county director of Education Gitonga Mbaka to record a statement following alleged ‘unethical conduct’ by CS George Magoha.
In a statement on Monday, EACC said, “The commission has reason to believe you have information that may assist in investigation.”
This is after the CS was last week captured on camera insulting Mbaka at Langas Primary School over the alleged poor state of the school.
In a statement last Friday, PSC Communications Director Browne Kutswa said all human resource functions had been moved to Education PS Richard Belio Kipsang.
“PSC Chairman Stephen Kirogo in a circular addressed to chairpersons of Public Universities Councils and copied to the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, said all human resource matters requiring the attention of the Public Service Commission shall henceforth be handled by Dr Kipsang as Authorized Officer of the Ministry until further notice,” PSC Chairman Stephen Kirogo said.
“Kirogo noted that the move was in exercise of the Commission’s powers and commitment to protect public servants against undignified and unwarranted attacks, reiterating that the execution of delegated authority is designed to foster public confidence and maintain the integrity and dignity of the public service.”
The incident happened when the CS was on a tour to Langas Primary School in Uasin Gishu county to assess the delivery of desks in preparation for the reopening of schools in January.
“Nikisema wewe ni mjinga ni uwongo (Would I be wrong if I say you are a fool)?” asked the CS before following up with more insults.
“You are talking about a report and I’m talking about what is here on the ground. You can go, I said you get away from here, wewe ni mjinga kabisa (You’re a complete fool),” said the CS.
On Monday evening’s commencement of investigations over the matter comes as a double blow to the tough talking CS who has already lost his human resources powers in his ministry.
Over the weekend, the Public Service (PSC) announced that all human resource matters at the ministry shall henceforth, be handled by Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang.
“The purpose of this general letter is to inform you that in view of the recent incident in the Ministry of Education relating to the role of the Authorised Officer, the commission has in the meantime withdrawn the delegation of its powers and functions from the Cabinet Secretary, Prof George A. O. Magoha, CBS and delegated the said powers to the Principal Secretary for Early Learning and Basic Education, Dr Richard Belio Kipsang, CBS with immediate effect,” PSC Chairperson Stephen Kirogo said in a circular.
The move by PSC according to Mr Kirogo is meant to “protect public servants against undignified and unwarranted attacks.”
However, in a rejoinder, Prof Magoha termed the move by PSC as lacking merit since any change in his job description can only be done by President Uhuru Kenyatta as the appointing authority.
“Nobody should be surprised at how I do things, I was in KNEC (Kenya National Examinations Council)… I made things work and now I am here to protect the interest of parents and children. Anytime I cannot do that I have no business being here,” said Prof Magoha.
Magoha said he would continue to discharge his duties, adding his appointing authority is the President.
