Devolution Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter and his Petroleum counterpart John Munyes have resigned from President Uhuru Kenyatta's Cabinet.
During a press conference on Tuesday, February 8, Keter stated that he was leaving the Cabinet in line with directives issued by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
Keter, who reiterated that he will be vying for the Kericho gubernatorial seat in the August 9, polls, explained that Kinyua instructed those seeking elective seats to quit.
"I have tendered my resignation to President Uhuru Kenyatta. I am also complying with a circular that was issued by the Head of Public Service last week dated January 28, 2022, requiring all state and public officers who are not exempted by the provisions of the Elections Act 2011, from resigning from their offices to vacate their offices," Keter stated.
"I wish to sincerely thank H.E the President for according me an opportunity to serve in his Cabinet since 2015 when he nominated me to serve in the government. With a lot of humility, I want to reiterate my appreciation for the honour bestowed on me. I’m going to contest under UDA for the governor’s seat in Kericho," he continued.
His Petroleum colleague, John Munyes, also quit to focus on his bid to become the next Governor of Turkana County.
More public servants seeking elective seats are expected to quit their plum jobs by February 9, 2022, to venture into elective politics. However, their decision to remain in office or quit will base on a court hearing to determine the legality of the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) directive.
The law, requiring public servants to resign at least six months to the polls was recently suspended by the Labour Relations Court in early February 2022.
Judge Monica Mbaru, who suspended the directive will issue further orders on Thursday, February 10.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had directed civil servants to quit on February 9, or risk being disqualified on basis of failing to resign on or before six months to the General Election.
Among the Cabinet Secretaries seeking elective seats include National Treasury's Ukur Yatani who is seeking to return to active elective politics.
Speculation is also rife that Agriculture CS, Peter Munya, who served as Meru’s first governor between 2013 and 2017 before losing to Kiraitu Murungi, is eyeing a return to politics.
His Water counterpart, Sicily Kariuki is also reported to be aspiring to contest in the Nyandarua County gubernatorial race.
