Confusion over fate of staff in former PM Raila’s office

Chief of Staff Caroli Omondi (left) is among those expected to leave. Photo/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By LUCAS BARASA lbarassa@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Wednesday, April 10  2013 at  23:30

Officials who worked in former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s office were on Wednesday lobbying to remain in government while some opted to retire.

Permanent secretary Mohamed Isahakia is the most senior official who is said to have indicated his intention to leave. Mr Odinga’s spokesman, Mr Dennis Onyango, had also reportedly opted to leave.

It was, however, not clear how many officials had left after their contracts expired and those whose terms were still valid.

Chief of Staff Caroli Omondi and Mr Odinga’s political advisor Adhu Awiti were among those expected to leave while the fate of Mr Odinga’s economic consultant, Prof Hiroyuki Hino and Mr Paul Mwangi (constitutional affairs) was unknown.

The former PM’s secretary for administration Abdul Mwaserrah, a former Provincial Commissioner, was expected to remain in office as he is a civil servant.

Mr Silvester Kasuku, who was Mr Odinga’s advisor on infrastructure, was said to be set to continue with the Lamu Port and South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) project.

Former Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura was said to be eyeing a comeback as chairman of Lapsset that has been changed into a parastatal.

Former president Kibaki’s private secretary, Mr Nick Wanjohi, has already been appointed Numerical Machines Corporation chairman.

Head of the Presidential Press Service Isaiah Kabira was said to be eyeing the diplomatic service while Jubilee leader Uhuru Kenyatta’s spokesman Munyori Buku was said to become Government Spokesman.

Former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka’s spokesman Kaplich Barsito, who was on contract, has been absorbed into government.

On Wednesday, a source at the former PM’s office said some workers who were on contract were lobbying to renew them or be absorbed in the Government.

“Most of those who had been seconded might return to their ministries. Some may choose to leave but some have already negotiated to remain and quietly pocketed their letters,” the source said. “It is hard to tell who is leaving as the tenure of those on contract is unknown while some have entered government.”