Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha has been heavily criticized for branding an umbrella produced by the ministry.
In a statement, Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said the decision by CS Nakhumicha is against the Constitution.
Further, Mutoro said State Officers are prohibited from using public resources to promote their personal agenda.
“Whoever advises my young and very beautiful sister, Susana Nakhumicha Wafula!. Under Article 75 CoK, as a State Officer of such high calling you don’t (never) use public resources to promote your personal interests/agenda against and or in competition with public interest.
In another world, and if we had maintained the former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza “go-home for nose-pinching” stance – this would be worse,” said Mutoro.
Additionally, Mutoro revisited Nakhumicha’s OCS transfer outburst explaining that she should uphold the Constitution.
“I hope her handlers inform her that this is not a whole-of-govt arrangement – easy as Health CS transferring an OCS. It’s about the conflict in Constitutionalism which she personally swore to protect,” stated Mutoro.
CS Nakhumicha’s Umbrella Photo Reactions
In the photo posted by Mutoro, the CS is seen carrying an umbrella branded with the flag of Kenya, the ministry of health logo and her name as well.
While reacting to this allegation, a section of X user defended CS Nakhumicha while others criticized her for branding the umbrella.
A user named broke broken society asked the CS to reconsider her pride since the move is against the Constitution.
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“This is what happens when 90% of the cabinet is made up of rudderless politicians. Kindiki is the only person who’s risen above petty politics to be a formidable leader,” said Duke G.
However, Urban FM said Nakhumicha’s action does not amount to promotion of personal interest as Mutoro claims.
In agreement a user named mwelunOgadi explained that Kenyans are just quick to make assumptions and judgements.
“What if the umbrella was a gift to her for a job well done? It’s advisable to hold your peace if you don’t have all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle,” said mwelunOgadi.
Article 75: Conduct of State officers
Article 75 of the Constitution talks about Conduct of State officers and the disciplinary procedure for those who go against these provisions.
It provides as follows.
(1) A State officer shall behave, whether in public and official life, in private life, or in association with other persons, in a manner that avoids–
(a) Any conflict between personal interests and public or official duties.
(b) Compromising any public or official interest in favor of a personal interest.
(c) Demeaning the office, the officer holds.
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(2) A person who contravenes clause (1), or Article 76, 77 or 78 (2)–
(a) Shall be subject to the applicable disciplinary procedure for the relevant office; and
(b) May, in accordance with the disciplinary procedure referred to in paragraph (a), be dismissed or otherwise removed from office.
(3) A person who has been dismissed or otherwise removed from office for a contravention of the provisions specified in clause (2) is disqualified from holding any other State office.