Treasury says procurement intern died during his ‘private time, not on official duty’

National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo has come out to allay concerns surrounding the mysterious death of one of the ministry’s officials, now identified as Evans Chirchir.

Kiptoo, in a statement on Thursday, dismissed fears of foul play in Chirchir’s death, further rubbishing claims that the latter was involved in a Ksh.286 million tender.

The PS clarified that contrary to media reports, Chirchir was an intern and not a fully-fledged employee, and thus was not involved in any tendering decision-making processes.

“Mr Evans Chirchir was an intern deployed to the National Treasury under the Public Service Internship Program (PSIP), Cohort 6, starting on 1st February 2024,” stated Kiptoo.

“He was assigned to the procurement section but, as an intern, he was not actively involved in any tendering or procurement decision-making processes.”

The PS further pointed out that the deceased, according to a police report, was involved in a car accident on Saturday night, during which time he was not on official duty.

While condoling with the family for the loss, he reiterated that Chirchir died during his “private time,” and not while working for the Treasury ministry.

“According to the police, Mr Chirchir was knocked down by a vehicle on the night of 31st August 2024. The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Kyumvi has confirmed the arrest of the driver involved in the incident,” noted Kiptoo.

“His disappearance occurred on the evening of Saturday, 31st August 2024, in the Kyumvi area, Machakos Junction, while returning from a private function in Makueni. Since it was a weekend, Mr. Chirchir was not on official duty at the time of the incident.”

Dr Kiptoo added: “He was not involved in any sensitive or decision-making capacities within the department, and the incident that led to his death occurred during his private time, far from his work responsibilities. At this difficult time, we offer our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”

He thus urged the public to refrain from circulating unverified information and to remain patient as authorities probe the death of the intern.

He says that a post-mortem examination is being conducted to ascertain the precise cause of death.

The body of Chirchir, who had been reported missing by his family for several days, was found at Machakos Level 5 hospital morgue on Wednesday.

Dr. Daniel Katua, the medical superintendent at Machakos Level Five Hospital, confirmed to Citizen Digital that the deceased was brought to the facility on August 31, 2024, at 9:20p.m.

Following his death, there were claims that Chirchir had previously expressed fears for his life over a Ksh.286 million tender.