CS Ruku warns civil servants against skipping work on Monday over Saba Saba

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has issued a stern warning to civil servants against skipping work on Monday amid planned Saba Saba protests.

Speaking in Embu on Sunday, Ruku reminded government employees that Monday, July 7, is not a public holiday and that all public servants are expected to report to their duty stations on time.

“Monday is not a public holiday; all government employees should report to work without fail,” said the CS. “All public servants are expected to be at their workstations by 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m., per the 2016 Public Service HR policy and manual.”

Ruku cited Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution, adding that he will personally conduct spot checks across government offices and warned of disciplinary action for absenteeism.

“Anyone who fails to report will have to produce a show-cause letter,” he stated.

Ruku's remarks come as Kenyans gear towards the commemoration of July 7, 1990, when Kenyans took to the streets for the approval of multiparty democracy in Kenya, leading to the repealing of Section 2A of the constitution.

Before then, Kenya was a one-party State under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) regime led by the late President Daniel Moi.

Veteran opposition politician Raila Odinga has invited Kenyans to a planned rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi. He on Sunday cited economic hardship and police brutality as reasons for the gathering.

At the same time, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for peace ahead of the planned protests, urging police to uphold professionalism.

“I would like to assure Kenyans that our country, our ministry, and our government have a good intention to ensure that citizens endure and maintain peace. We have no intention of harming anyone. Our intention is to ensure our country remains peaceful,” Murkomen said in Meru on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the OCS of the Mombasa Central Police Station has declined a notice letter of planned protests and a concert in the city to commemorate Saba Saba Day.

OCS Sylvester Wambua said intelligence reports have indicated that there is a plan by goons to infiltrate the peaceful protests, posing a risk to Mombasa residents.