PSC Warns Public Officers Against By-Election Campaigning
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a stern reminder to all public officers to refrain from participating in political campaigns ahead of the 2027 by-elections. Speaking from the Commission House in Nairobi, PSC officials emphasized that civil servants are constitutionally mandated to remain neutral and avoid partisan activities while in office. The warning comes amid reports of several government officials allegedly engaging in active political mobilization, raising concerns about the impartiality of public service ahead of critical electoral processes.
This directive follows months of controversy over ministers and senior officials reportedly joining campaign activities, despite a High Court ruling earlier this year prohibiting public officers from early political involvement. Cabinet secretaries including Ruku, Murkomen, Kabogo, Wahome, and Duale have reportedly been seen on the campaign trail, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The PSC stressed that such conduct undermines the integrity of the civil service and could attract disciplinary measures, including suspension or dismissal, if violations continue.
Reactions from political analysts suggest that the PSC’s warning is timely but may face challenges in enforcement, given the increasing blurring of lines between governance and political mobilization. Critics argue that public officers’ engagement in campaigns risks eroding public trust in state institutions and skewing electoral competitiveness. Looking ahead, the commission has vowed to monitor compliance closely and ensure that civil servants maintain neutrality, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to fair and transparent electoral processes.