Former Head of the Government Delivery Service (GDS), Dr. Peter Mbae, has found himself at the center of a political storm after claiming to have resigned from his position earlier this month.
The government has strongly refuted these claims, accusing Dr. Mbae of peddling falsehoods and attempting to mislead the public.
In a statement released by Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, the administration clarified that Dr. Mbae’s contract was terminated in July 2024, following the dissolution of the Cabinet by President William Ruto.
The statement noted that Dr. Mbae’s role as a supernumerary staff member was directly tied to the tenure of former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who ceased to hold office on July 11, 2024.
“All dues owed to Dr. Mbae were settled, and he was formally notified of his termination,” read the statement. “His claim of resignation in January 2025 is therefore both erroneous and highly misleading.”
“Toxic Political Environment”
The saga took a dramatic twist after Dr. Mbae appeared in an exclusive interview with NTV, claiming his decision to resign stemmed from frustrations in the workplace. He cited a “toxic political environment” and alleged that his innovative proposals to streamline government delivery services were dismissed by senior officials.
“It is not possible to do development in a toxic political environment,” Dr. Mbae lamented during the interview. He further claimed that his proposals to consolidate overlapping government offices and centers were rejected outright, hindering his ability to deliver on his mandate.
Government Hits Back
In a scathing rebuttal, Dr. Mwaura dismissed Dr. Mbae’s remarks as unfounded and mischievous. The government accused him of attempting to involve Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, EGH, in the controversy without justification.
“Mr. Koskei played no role in Dr. Mbae’s appointment, termination, or any related matters. These allegations are baseless and should be disregarded,” Dr. Mwaura stated.
The government reiterated its commitment to professionalism and transparency, urging the public to rely on verified facts rather than unsubstantiated claims.
Public Reaction
The back-and-forth has sparked heated debate, with critics questioning the government’s handling of high-ranking officials and others accusing Dr. Mbae of seeking political relevance.
Whether Dr. Mbae’s claims hold weight or not, the controversy sheds light on the challenges within Kenya’s public service and raises questions about the internal dynamics of the now-defunct GDS.
For now, the public remains divided, with some expressing sympathy for Dr. Mbae’s plight, while others urge him to provide evidence for his allegations. The nation awaits further developments in this escalating war of words.
