Koskei: Criminals using my name to get money from State offices

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Chief of staff and head of public service Felix Koskei has said some officials are using his name to solicit favours and extort money.

The unnamed individuals, according to Koskei, are moving from public office to another, intimidating and harassing government officials under the guise of running errands for him and in return demanding kickbacks.

The revelations come at a time when the Kenya Kwanza administration is being accused of not dealing decisively with corruption in government offices. Kenyans seeking services are forced to bribe in order to be served. Even job opportunities favour those who can offer the highest bids. In a letter addressed to Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Chief Executive Officers of state corporations, there is a call to promptly report individuals who invoke Koskei's name to seek favours.

"Regrettably, it has come to my attention that there are unscrupulous individuals misusing my name and office to solicit favours and extort money from unsuspecting public officers, claiming that they are acting under my instructions.

"These criminal elements should not be left to continue with their illegal activities unchecked, and they should be dealt with promptly and decisively," said Koskei in a letter dated July 24.

He further instructed CSs, PSs and CEOs to bring the matter to the attention of all officers working under them. This is not the first time individuals are invoking the name of a senior high ranking government official to con gullible victims.