The announcement came even as Sonko warned his predecessor Evans Kidero against transacting any financial business at City Hall, saying this could compromise the county government’s financial position/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – The Nairobi County Government has suspended processing of payments, contracts and leases until after Governor-elect Mike Sonko and his team are sworn-in.
In a memo to all department heads, Head of Public Service Leboo ole Morintat stated that it would be prudent for all the activities requiring the Executive’s consent to stop for ease of accountability.
“Following the recently concluded General Election in the Republic of Kenya, several changes in form of governances took place and Nairobi City County is among the ones which ushered in a new Executive,” he said.
“Currently, the county is in the transition period and it would be prudent that activities that require consent and authorization of the Executive as outlined above should be suspended or processed after the approval by the County Secretary until the conclusion of the change-over for ease of accountability,” he stated.
He directed that department heads should ensure that all officers in their respective sectors are properly briefed.
The announcement came even as Sonko warned his predecessor Evans Kidero against transacting any financial business at City Hall, saying this could compromise the county government’s financial position.
Sonko, who declined to spend Sh25 million on his inauguration ceremony slated for Monday emphasised that any further transactions by Kidero will leave the county government in a precarious financial position.
Through his lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, Sonko termed any financial transactions including withdrawing funds from the Central Bank of Kenya during the transition period as illegal.
“It is necessary to ensure a smooth transition of the reins of power in the Nairobi City County from yourself, stem financial haemorrhage, forestall collapse of services and above all maintain accurate and proper records of the County Government,” he stated in the letter addressed to Kidero.
“Our client therefore requests that you forthwith appoint a Transition Committee consisting of three members from your end as or client also appoints three members,” he said.
He also requested that Kidero should not remove any materials from City Hall or any other Nairobi City County office.
Sonko termed any financial transactions including withdrawing funds from the Central Bank of Kenya during the transition period as illegal. “You do not withdraw any funds from the Nairobi City County Account with Central Bank.”
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