This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, Joe Mucheru, the Information and Communication Cabinet Secretary, made headlines after re-appointing a dead man, Robert Kochalle, to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) board.
According to a gazette notice, Kochalle was appointed alongside Gathoni Kung'u and Nereah Okanga for a three-year term, starting from October 21, 2019. The appointment has sparked outrage, with many questioning the quality of background checks and vetting processes in place.
Robert Kochalle, a former Laisamis MP, had passed away on May 28, 2018. His re-appointment has exposed one of the routes ghost workers use to land on the public service payroll, highlighting the need for improved vetting and background checks.
Ghost workers are a significant headache for both national and county governments, with President Kenyatta and governors struggling to slash the public wage bill, which currently stands at over Sh700 billion.
Mr. Mucheru's gaffe has raised serious questions about the quality of background checks nominees are subjected to before they are appointed to run government departments and agencies.
Following online outrage, Ezekiel Mutua, the CEO of KFCB, came out to explain the bogus appointment and defend his boss, Mr. Mucheru. However, his explanations have done little to stop angry Kenyans who are demanding answers.
Mr. Mutua tweeted, 'Small issue being blown out of proportion. The board presented the notification to the ministry (of ICT) for replacement and inadvertently he was reappointed.'
However, his explanations have been met with skepticism, with many calling out the display of mediocrity in government offices.
