Kidero threatens to sack three ministers
Three ministers in the City’s government face the sack over slow implementation of programmes in their dockets.
Executive members in charge of Roads, Transport and Public Works Executive Evans Ondiek, Water, Environment and Energy John Gakuo and their Trade and Industrialisation colleague Anna Othoro have been put on notice over performance in their docket.
A confidential communiqué from Governor Evans Kidero’s office said there were “unnecessary delays in service delivery” and this was hampering the County’s overall performance.
“All Executive members are reminded they have signed performance contracts,” the communiqué reads in part.
Tangible results
The three ministers were particularly challenged to show tangible results or face the sack.
“I am directing Mr Gakuo to ensure that all the filth in the city’s informal settlements such as Kibera, Mathare and Dandora is cleared in a week’s time and that the perennial water shortage is resolved,” said the statement.
The statement sent shockwaves at County Hall on Tuesday with the affected ministers giving mixed reactions to the Governor’s ultimatum.
“Some people around the governor have started creating sideshows. It is rubbish to accuse me of not working well. You cannot build Nairobi Roads in four months,” said Mr Ondiek.
Mr Ondiek assumed office in October last year after a protracted battle over the position with the initial nominee for the post Mr Eric Mokua.
Mr Ondiek revealed plans were at an advanced stage to construct eight roads in every ward.
He also said security dogs had already been bought and would soon be unleashed to secure the roads.
On Tuesday evening, Mr Gakuo said he had not been informed of the Governor’s riot act and said he was still waiting for it.
“I have been working all through and there has been no hint that there is something not going on as planned. I am shocked,” Mr Gakuo told NairobiNews.
Ms Othoro whose docket touches on new industries, markets, jobs opportunities for youths, and tourism could not be reached to comment on the new development.
Her phone was not answered the whole day and she ignored the SMSes sent to her.
An official at the Governor’s office confirmed the performance of the three ministers had been noted because what they were involved in touched on residents directly.
“The residents feel several things are yet to work out as expected and that is the message being sent to the ministers. It is about performance that the residents can feel,” said the official who is not authorised to speak to the press.