Online storm over Baringo Governor’s aide

 
Baringo County Governor Benjamin Cheboi addresses the County Assembly in Kabarnet on June, 10,2014 with his aide standing behind him. PHOTO/WYCLIFF KIPSANG  

 Thursday, June 12, 2014

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI
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In Summary

• On Tuesday, Mr Cheboi addressed Members of the County Assembly with a stern-looking aide-de-camp standing behind him, in full regalia similar to that of a presidential aide.
• The actions of the Baringo Governor were trolled in a hashtag that was trending on people who should not be trusted.

An image of Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi with an aide standing behind him has enraged many Kenyans online.

On Tuesday, Mr Cheboi addressed Members of the County Assembly with a stern-looking aide-de-camp standing behind him, in full regalia similar to that of a presidential aide.

It was the out-of-the ordinary image for many Kenyans, who would have assumed that an aide-de-camp at a public function as only reserved for the President of the Republic.

On social media, some Kenyans think the Governor’s move was a display of power even as the County government said that it was a requirement in accordance with its Standing Orders.

Others think it is a misplaced priority, especially when some county residents sleep hungry for lack of food.

The actions of the Baringo Governor were trolled in a hashtag that was trending on people who should not be trusted.

Governor Cheboi would, therefore, probably among those who cannot be trusted, with “#TypeofPeopleYouShouldNotTrust Baringo” trending on Twitter for the second day running.

But on Wednesday, MCAs defended the Governor stating that the Standing Orders in the county accord him such privilege.

“During the Governor's Address to County Assembly, in accordance with Baringo County Assembly Standing Orders, Part VI (21) (1)…the Governor may be accompanied in the chamber by an Aide-de-Camp," a statement on the county news site reads.

It continues, “This also shall (with necessary modification) apply to the Senator, visiting Governor and such dignitaries.”

For Kenyans online, this clarification by the County didn’t help matters.

Those who commented on the post stated that it was of no use for the Governor to have such.

"This really shows misplaced priority yet the people who took you to the office are sleeping hungry," commented Kiprop Charles.

"What value does it bring to service delivery? These offices are meant for servants not small lords," said David Kibet.

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely!” commented Kipkogei Agui.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with his aide-de-camp behind him during Madaraka Day celebration at Nyayo Stadium on June 1, 2014. On Tuesday, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi addressed Members of the County Assembly with a stern-looking aide-de-camp standing behind him, in full regalia similar to that of a presidential aide. BILLY MUTAI

On Twitter, others condemned it, wondering if the move was indeed in line with the national laws.

Ken tweeted: “H.E Baringo Governor with an Aide-de-Camp. Is this even allowed by law?”

“Governor of Baringo County Benjamin Cheboi drunk with power, will they say I am fighting devolution for highlighting this?” Enock Obuma tweeted.

Another Kenyan, Moses, said, ‘#TypeofPeopleYouShouldNotTrust Baringo Governor who is drunk with power by having an aide-de-camp.’

OFFICER DEMOTED

On Thursday, the matter ended for the AP officer who acted as the Governor’s aide.

The officer, Micah Kurui, confirmed that he had been transferred and demoted from his rank as corporal to a constable.