ODM WANTS CHIRCHIR SACKED

The opposition has called for the immediate sacking of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir over alleged integrity issues. Orange Democratic Movement ( ODM) designate officials Isaac Mwaura (Secretary, Disability) Joyce Lay (International Affairs), Tim Wanyonyi (Legal and Constitutional Affairs), Opiyo Wandayi (Political Affairs) and Timothy Bosire have threatened to move a vote of no confidence on Chirchir if the President fails to sack him over the ‘chicken’ scandal. The legislators termed information gleaned from prosecutors in court proceedings in Southwark Crown County in the United Kingdom touching on the integrity of Government officers in key positions, as damaging and shameful. “Chirchir being a public officer is bound by Chapter Six of the Constitution (on Leadership and Integrity) and the Public Officers Ethics Act and should therefore be beyond reproach. He has not seen the need to step aside and clear his name,” said Wandayi. “The scale of the corruption alleged by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office is worth Sh50 million of taxpayers’ money. It is unfortunate that two weeks into the exposure, the President has not seen the need to sack Chirchir, a public officer who is his appointee,” he added. He regretted that despite the alleged involvement in the inflation of printing costs of election ballot papers by up to 38 per cent, mainly to cater for kickbacks for senior officials at the then Interim Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, President Uhuru Kenyatta has remained mum on the matter. See also: ODM faces fallout as rival faction opposes line-up proposed by Raila Chirchir has, however, denied any wrong doing and termed the filing by the UK prosecutors as mere allegations. The MPs who addressed the Press at Parliament Buildings, said the President has demonstrated unwillingness to act and safeguard the Constitution. “Pursuant to Article 152 (6) (b) of the Constitution and the National Assembly Standing Order Number Six, we are moving to file a motion seeking to compel the President to relieve Chirchir of his duties as cabinet secretary,” announced Wandayi. He added: “This is a matter of great concern and of national interest and therefore it will receive the support of all MPs from across the political divide.” Mwaura said those mentioned should be held accountable.