Vocal Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko has accused his trusted suspended County Executive Charles Kerich of using his influence at The Star to publish negative stories about his office.
On Wednesday, Sonko suspended Kerich who is a former Star Editor and 15 other officials over the Precious Talents School tragedy which resulted in the death of eight pupils.
He stated that every official in his administration must be ready to bear personal responsibility for their sector and work.
Sonko took issue with today’s Star headline ‘Crisis at City Hall as Sonko’s reign of chaos goes on’.
The Governor said it was normal for governors and even the President to carry out changes in governments.
He said,
“Why didn’t the Star accuse President, Oparanya, Kimemia, Sang, Nyong’o, etc of “reign of chaos” after firing their CECs (let alone suspension) which is within their constitutional prerogative?”
Adding that,
“Charles Kerich and his cronies at the Star should know better, no amount of blackmails or character assassinations can ever deter me in doing what I believe is right and in best interests of Nairobi Residents.”
https://www.facebook.com/148950081810015/posts/2614746941896971/?app=fbl
Kerich’s suspension came as a surprise given the good working relationship he has had with the Nairobi county boss.
In July, Sonko announced that he had appointed Kerich, who was serving as Finance and Economic Planning Executive, as “Super County Executive Committee Member”.
The suspended CEC has held four positions in Nairobi County Government since his first appointment in November 2017 as head of ICT and E-Government Docket.
In February 2018, Sonko transferred Kerich to the Lands docket in yet another docket changes.
In April 2018, the Governor asked Kerich to assume the role of head of Finance and Economic Planning Department after sacking Danvas Makori.
He also appointed Kerich appointed Kerich as acting health CEC following the Pumwani Maternity uproar in which 11 dead babies were found stored in boxes in a room at the facility.
