Business as usual at public offices as Sabasaba passes

NAIROBI, KENYA: Civil servants reported to work Monday even as most private businesses remained closed, after CORD's Saba Saba rally heightened uncertainty in Nairobi.

CORD had declared the day a "public holiday" and asked Kenyans to turn up in large numbers for its rally at Uhuru Park.

But Government workers heeded warnings by labour unions that they would not protect those who fail to show up for work.

The High Court had also overturned CORD's declaration that Monday was a public holiday and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua warned Government workers against absconding duty.

But a spot check by The Standard in most Government offices, Monday, revealed that not much work was going on despite the presence of civil servants.

Security was increased at all Government offices with the paramilitary General Service Unit manning the buildings.

A worker at the National Treasury said they were asked to sign in when their arrived.

"The message was clear, therefore I believe those who failed to turn up today will face a rough time," the worker who asked not to be named, told The Standard. Similarly, there was minimal activity at the Kenya Revenue Authority officers at Times Tower in Nairobi, which is often busy.

The immigration offices, however, were busy as security personnel kept vigil.

Interestingly, despite CORD's push for a public holiday, some of its members who offer legal services had their offices open for the better part of the day.

Wetang'ula, Adan, Makokha and Company Advocates, where CORD co-principal Moses Wetang'ula is a partner, remained open and business went on as usual.

JAB Orengo Advocates linked to CORD's James Orengo as well as Musyoka Wambua and Katiku Advocates also remained opened.

Asked why they reported to work despite their bosses declaring a public holiday, the staff declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Nyeri residents went on with their business as usual and ignored the much-publicised Saba Saba. Most business premises were busy as people went on with their day-to-day activities.

All major banks opened their doors to customers and children went to school as usual.

There was calm in most parts as a handful of police officers patrolled the town, a few of them carrying out raids on bars found operating outside stipulated time.

However, most people who talked to The Standard were critical of the CORD rally. Jackson Maina, a trader, said the call for mass action was not a priority since Kenyans face more urgent challenges.

He said some of the Opposition leaders were once in Government but did nothing to uplift the living standards of Kenyans.