This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has swiftly replaced 16 officials suspended over the deaths from the Precious Talent School building collapse, which occurred on Monday in Dagoreti.
According to Acting County Secretary Leboo Morintat, the Governor filled the vacuum immediately after the suspensions, ensuring that public service continued without disruption.
Leboo explained that the deputies to the suspended officials immediately took over and would be working closely with the two newly appointed CECs in an acting capacity, Pauline Kahiga (Finance and Economic Planning) and Veska Kangogo (CEC Health).
“The replacements were immediately done. Public service does not operate on a vacuum because it is an ongoing process meant to address the concerns of the public, who in this case are Nairobi residents,” stated Leboo.
As reported earlier, Governor Sonko suspended the 16 county officials mainly drawn from the urban planning, inspectorate, and sub-county administration departments over what he termed as the impunity that led to the death of eight pupils.
‘Super’ CEC Charles Kerich, who is also the Nairobi County Finance Executive, and Health executive Mohammed Dagane were among the suspended officials over the incident that left 64 injured.
“I am convinced beyond doubt that drastic measures have to be taken to reverse the effects of years of flouting Physical Planning Regulations and restore order and sanity before illegal structures claim more lives as has repeatedly happened before, “said Sonko.
Through a statement, the Governor announced that he had suspended the officials with immediate effect to facilitate ongoing investigations and ensure the conclusion of the comprehensive systems audit in the Urban Planning Department.
