NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 25- State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu has distanced State House officials from allegations by Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter that they wanted a detained vehicle at the Gilgil weighbridge released.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, Esipisu says State House supports any legal action that will be taken against the legislator once the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission completes its investigations.
“In appearing to intimidate the public officers, Mr Keter makes a number of claims about other public and state officers at State House Nairobi. These claims are untrue and amount to nothing more than namedropping,” he stated.
“Leaders are reminded that the Constitution requires them to serve and demonstrate respect for the people; and to bring honour to the nation, and dignity to their offices.”
He also said the Presidency “commends the public officers who resisted the apparent intimidation.”
“The Presidency has never, does not and will never support or condone corruption, extortion or abuse of power by any State or public officer,” read the statement.
“It has continued to offer strong support to national institutions in developing capacity to robustly, consistently and effectively wage war on corruption.”
This is after a video clip went viral on social media Sunday in which Keter is seen at the Gilgil weighbridge demanding the police release a detained vehicle. He is accompanied by URP nominated MP Sunjeev Birdi.
READ: Keter pushing weight at Gilgil weighbridge: DPP steps in
Despite efforts by the police officer to explain they were acting in accordance with the law, the MP could not hear a single word.
“We will reverse the law… who is the owner of this company?” he is heard asking the officials there. “We are waiting to hear from whom? …Jesus Christ to call you?”
He is heard alleging that senior government officials had tried to contact the weighbridge for the same without success.
“Whoever has that contract will lose it…I don’t fight small battles; you will lose your jobs tomorrow.”
National Assembly leader of Majority Aden Duale has also condemned the incident.
“The Government does not condone corruption, coercion or intimidation in the name of @StateHouseKenya or President @UKenyatta,” Duale posted on his Twitter account.
“The relevant institutions should take action on any misconduct involving any of our members.”
The Ministry of Transport also weighed in on the issue.
“This variant of uncouth and juvenile behavior is callous and irresponsible to say the least, especially coming from a public official who is supposed to know better. As the Ministry charged with managing the country’s infrastructure, we wish to state that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator’s station in society,” the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure John Mosonik said in response to the saga.
“We have launched investigations to get to the bottom of the matter, but let the public be assured that we shall not allow anyone to derail our efforts to streamline operations in the sector.”
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