Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Sends Home Three Top County Officials

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has sent home three top county government officials in crackdown on corruption at the City Hall.

Sonko said the officials were suspended over alleged misuse of public funds. Among those sent packing is Chief of Staff Brian Mugo, acting Chief Finance Officer Ekaya Alumasi and acting Head of County Treasury Stephen Mutua.

“I have this morning suspended several Nairobi County officials among them, Chief of Staff Brian Mugo, acting Chief Officer of Finance Ekaya Alumasi and acting Head of County Treasury, Stephen Mutua over misuse of public funds, pending investigations,” Sonko said in a statement.

Sonko subsequently requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) to move with speed and investigate the matter.

At the same time, he also reshuffled his cabinet, naming Newton Munene as the new County Executive for Commerce Tourism & Cooperatives.

“I’ve formally appointed Mr. Newton Munene as the new Commerce, Tourism & Cooperatives Executive after the Nairobi City County Assembly approved his nomination. Mr. Allan Igambi Esabwa, who has been serving in the docket, will now take over as the new Finance Executive,” said Sonko.

“Mr. Charles Kerich who has been Acting Finance Executive remains in the Lands, Housing and Urban renewal docket.”

In April, the Governor sent 30 county procurement staff on compulsory leave over alleged issuance of inflated Local purchase Orders (LPOs) without his approval.