Pressure Mounts on Felix Koskei as Nandi Residents Demand His Resignation Over Alleged Political Interference
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei is facing growing pressure after a section of residents in Nandi County publicly called for his resignation, accusing him of abandoning the neutrality expected of his office by engaging in political activities instead of concentrating on government service.
The calls were made during separate public gatherings across Nandi County on Tuesday, July 15, where residents voiced dissatisfaction over what they described as increasing political interference by senior State officials ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the meetings, the residents argued that despite Nandi County having significant representation within President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, the region had not experienced the level of development they had anticipated.
They insisted that public servants should remain politically neutral and focus on delivering services rather than influencing the political direction of local communities.
“It is unethical for any administrative leader to endorse and impose a leader upon the people of Nandi County. For that reason, we want Koskei to focus on his work as the Head of Public Service rather than perpetuating politics of division in the region,” one resident said.
Another resident maintained that voters should be left to make independent political choices when the next General Election arrives.
“We have five years between elections. These leaders should focus on serving us first, and when the time comes, we will decide for ourselves whom to support instead of being treated as if we cannot make our own decisions,” the resident added.
Residents Call for Development Over Politics
The residents said they were more concerned about development projects, economic opportunities and improved public services than early political campaigns.
According to those who addressed the gatherings, leaders should dedicate the current term to fulfilling their development promises before seeking to influence electoral outcomes.
Their remarks reflect growing public debate over the role senior government officials should play in partisan political activities while holding public office.
Koskei’s Role in Government
As Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei occupies one of the most influential positions in government.
He is responsible for coordinating the implementation of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and oversees the work of Principal Secretaries across ministries.
Koskei has also been at the forefront of supervising and launching flagship government programmes, including the Affordable Housing Programme and other national development projects aimed at implementing the Kenya Kwanza administration’s agenda.
Scrutiny Intensifies Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election
The criticism directed at Koskei comes at a time when the involvement of senior State officials in political campaigns has become a major point of contention ahead of the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
On July 14, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wrote an eight-page letter to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, alleging that several Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries had participated in campaigns within Ol Kalou Constituency.
Among those named were Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
Gachagua also listed Principal Secretaries Nixon Korir, Patrick Mariru, Alex Wachira, Joseph Mbugua, Mary Muthoni and Ann Wang’ombe, alleging that they had taken part in political activities related to the by-election.
The allegations have added to an already heated political environment as scrutiny grows over the extent to which senior State officials should participate in electoral campaigns while serving in public office.
Also Read: Ksh154B JKIA Upgrade Begins as Government Signs Key Consultancy Deal