Tight Security As Gachagua's Staff Blocked From Accessing Harambee Annex Office [SPOT CHECK]
This move came a few days after the office began a significant purge, which saw 108 staff sent on compulsory leave, a move which all but crippled the operations of the office of the DP.
Viral Tea Ke Writer ![Tight Security As Gachagua's Staff Blocked From Accessing Harambee Annex Office [SPOT CHECK]](https://viraltea.co.ke/uploads/images/202410/image_870x_67177d4670af6.jpg)
Watertight security was witnessed within the area surrounding the Office of the Deputy President at Harambee House Annex in Nairobi as staff under impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were denied access on Tuesday morning, October 22.
Viral Tea did physical spot checks on Harambee Avenue in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) which is known for the DP's building, among other government buildings and observed a section of security officers manning critical installations, amidst Gachagua's day at the Milimani Law Courts.
Outside the gate, two officers could be seen manning it but one particularly caught our eye as he was sporting combat gear including a helmet and a scarf that concealed his identity.
Reports had indicated that police from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) had camped outside the premises as they turned away all staffers reporting for work. Furthermore, members of the Fourth Estate were reportedly barred from conducting any interviews and taking pictures.
Seen the reports and decided to check it out for myself today. Please, msinishoot because I was trying to NOT get caught...
This is outside the Office of the Deputy President at Harambee House today. One of those cops guarding the gate had a green helmet and his face covered... pic.twitter.com/PN7dHzFga4 — Marvin Chege (@marvin_chege10) October 22, 2024
According to a report by Citizen TV, employees who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that upon reporting to work in the morning, they were told to go back home till further notice.
This move came a few days after the office began a significant purge, which saw 108 staff sent on compulsory leave, a move which all but crippled the operations of the office of the DP.
"Following the ongoing constitutional process affecting his excellency the Deputy President it has been decided as follows: all officers in job groups T and U are hereby instructed to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect," a notice issued by Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi on Saturday and copied to Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei read.
The directive came after the Senate impeached Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto nominated Kithure Kindiki to replace him.
To make matters worse, Gachagua decried the withdrawal of his security, further alleging that this put his life at risk.
"All officers close to me were disarmed and given a warning that they should not be near me.
"As we speak the Deputy President has no single security officer around him. He is alone," said Gachagua after being discharged from the Karen Hospital on Sunday.
