Staff Shake-up in the Office of the Deputy President as 108 Employees Sent on Compulsory Leave

The political turbulence following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a dramatic turn, with 108 staff members from his office being sent on compulsory leave. The decision, effective immediately from Saturday, October 19, has raised questions about the future of the Office of the Deputy President and the larger political landscape.

A notice issued by Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi, and seen by Kenyans.co.ke, directed employees in job groups T and U to proceed on leave. The notice was also copied to Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, signaling the high-level involvement in the sweeping changes.

"Following the ongoing constitutional process affecting His Excellency the Deputy President, it has been decided as follows: all officers in job groups T and U are hereby instructed to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect," the notice read.

Among the high-ranking officials affected are Wanjiku Wakogi (Chief of Staff), Ibrahim Rashid Ahmed (Advisor), and Jane Wangui Kiringai (Advisor), along with 105 others who hold key advisory and administrative roles. Staff members have been directed to designate temporary replacements for their duties before leaving, ensuring the continuity of operations.

This move comes amidst growing uncertainty and speculation regarding the leadership transition in the Office of the Deputy President following Gachagua’s impeachment. Political analysts suggest that the staff changes may signal a broader restructuring aimed at consolidating power or redirecting resources in the wake of the impeachment.