The chairman of the Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya, Kembi Gitura, has announced his resignation from the post after serving for seven months.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, February 16, Gitura explained that he called it quits to launch his bid for the Murang'a Senatorial seat.
He further noted that he handed his resignation letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, February 8, in line with a directive that required all civil servants to quit before February 9.
He also disclosed that his decision was informed by the county's residents following an increase in requests on whether his name would be on the ballot.
"I have now tendered my resignation to His Excellency the President for the appointment he had later given me of being the Chairman of the Communications Authority of Kenya.
"I tendered that resignation on the eighth of this month with the view and intention of running for the Senate seat of Murang'a County. Since people have been asking me whether I want to run for the position, I want to make it clear now that I am in the race," he noted.
He further revealed that he was focused on ensuring the success of devolution in the county to ensure all residents have easy access to government services.
"I kept saying that devolution is the cornerstone of this country and without it I don't know how we were managing in the past. I think there was unfinished business when I was not in the current Parliament and I want to start over again.
"What we would like to see are peaceful elections with full realisation that even after the elections, Murang'a will still be our county and we would like to move forward," he added.
Prior to his appointment to the CA post, Gitura served as the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) chairperson.
During his tenure, he was accused of influencing tenders in a scandal that rocked the country at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He, however, denied the claims arguing that Parliament had convicted him without considering his evidence. He also accused the authorities of wasting taxpayers money by planning to reopen the case that had already been closed.
He also served as the first Senator of Murang'a between 2013 and 2017 before he was defeated by Irung'u Kang'ata who is now eyeing the gubernatorial seat.
