Kibaki`s Aide de Camp quits to join Politics

Muturi:Mbeere South Seat MP

 By Joel Mwale in Nairobi

The aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya Col Geoffrey Muturi King'ang'i is among tens of civil servants who resigned to join politics.

He intends to contest Mbeere South Parliamentary seat. He has been replaced by Col Peter Njiru from the military headquarters.

Muturi was the former Military Assistant to immediate former Kenya Army Commander, Lt General (rtd) Augustine Njoroge.

He was named the ADC in May 2010 after his predecessor  Josiah Mrashui left for the US for a military course having served President Kibaki since 2003 when he ascended to the presidency.

Kibaki (Centre) with Muturi (left) and Ex-CGS Kianga

Njiru was first seen with President Kibaki on Tuesday,September 04  at parliament, a day after Muturi resigned.

Anyone who assumes the position is usually promoted to the rank of colonel.

As the aide de camp, one is entitled to unlimited privileges, among them accompanying the president to every part of the world.

Kinuthia Mbugua:Governor Nakuru

Muturi, who has in the course of duty probably mastered the game of politics, is said to have informed the president of his intentions to leave.

A one time ADC to former President Daniel Arap Moi Mr Alexander Sitieney also unsuccessfuly vied for  a seat in Sotik in RiftValley Province.

Acting head of public service Mr Francis Kimemia confirmed Col Muturi had left to seek a political seat.

Col Muturi joined close to 100 other civil servants among them is the commandant of Administration Police Kinuthia Mbugua, four permanent secretaries including Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua, Nairobi Town Clerk Roba Duba and five diplomats who quit to join politics.

Others include parastatal heads, district commissioners and other middle-level public servants.

This follows requirement of section 43(5) of the election Act 2011 which was amended to reduce the period a public officer should resign from office from seven to six months.

While some are leaving their lucrative positions in government to seek political power in new positions created by the new constitutional order others are going for greener pastures as some of the new political jobs promise better remunerations.

The vacancies left will be filled in due course, said public service minister Dalmas Otieno.

Under the new dispensation, the Public Service Commission will advertise all key jobs, including those of permanent secretaries and vet applicants. Names of shortlisted candidates will then be handed over to the President, who will nominate and forward to Parliament for approval.

Mbugua left the service on Friday at a ceremony attended by president Kibaki who also wished him well as he seeks to be the Governor for Nakuru County.

His deputy Samuel Arachi has been named the commandant in acting capacity.

Foreign Service Secretary Joseph Ndathi and Deputy Director of Supply and procurement Joseph Mathuki tendered their resignation letters to Foreign Affairs PS Thuita Mwangi.

Senior Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Peter Omolo, has taken early retirement to vie for Kisumu County governor’s seat.