VP warns officers against nepotism

Thursday, 24 February 2011 00:01 BY KAMORE MAINA

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has warned that public servants, especially in his Home Affairs ministry, found guilty of nepotism or tribalism will be punished.
Kalonzo issued the warning during a passing out ceremony of prison warders at the Prison Training College in Ruiru. "There will be no room for tribalism in the government. Any officer who shows tribalism should be dealt with,” Kalonzo said.
At least 2,241 prison warders graduated yesterday while another 176 officers who were recruited during the newly launched “Direct entry” of university graduates are still undergoing training.
Kalonzo told the graduands to embrace human rights in their work so as not to tarnish the image of the prison service. “The Prison department is trying to shed off the image of a ruthless and lethargic department that will embrace the rule of law and human rights,” said the VP.
Home affairs assistant Minister Beatrice Kones in her earlier address said that many prison staff were losing their jobs soon after graduating.
Kones who however did not reveal or explain the circumstances under which the officers had lost their jobs told the graduates to be vigilant in their work.
Home affairs PS Ludeki Chweya told the officers to be disciplined. He said prison warders were earlier seen as indisciplined officers. There was high security during the ceremony with tens of plainclothes officers deployed to the area.
In the past motorists vehicles which were parked away from the graduation grounds have been vandalized by criminals who stole side mirrors and other parts.