Talk of Town: Presidential hopeful accused of sidelining friends, State agency boss fights off exit pressure

Boss in tug-of-war with juniors

A game of cat-and-mouse is unfolding at a plum state agency. A powerful executive is reportedly facing a push by officials keen to see him shown the door, with complaints being lined up. The boss is, however, not sitting pretty and waiting for the axe to fall. Word has it that he is reaching out to his detractors to persuade them to withdraw the complaints. With both camps seemingly unwilling to blink, the intrigue continues to simmer. Yet the real winners may not be either of the sides, but the go-betweens playing both ends – and reportedly collecting “goodies” from the camps.

Police ‘retiree’ clings to position  

What is a police chief who has attained retirement age still doing in office? That is the question among fellow officers, who are said to be growing impatient as the man, attached to a police college, clings to his position. The commander’s stay is complicating succession plans, leaving those waiting to take over wondering when the door will finally open. Those in the know say the officer may not be ready to hang up his uniform yet. Word has it that he is lobbying for a position in a specialised unit to be unveiled soon. This is said not to be going down well with many.

Jitters over foreign army hiring here

Are authorities growing concerned over reports that Kenyans are being recruited into the military of a foreign power? At least two top government officials are expected to travel to the nuclear-armed state for talks on the issue, which is raising concern in Kenya as the General Election approaches. The matter also presents a diplomatic challenge for Nairobi, with authorities under pressure to establish the facts, protect citizens abroad and address growing public concern over the risks facing those who fly overseas for military-related opportunities.

Bureaucrat questions appointment

A senior government operative is reportedly angered by a female official who landed a lucrative appointment after her predecessor was reassigned to a lesser position to make way for her. The reason of the disquiet, our mole says, is her questionable loyalty, with the woman suspected of encouraging some members of her family to challenge some of the pro-government narratives. Her alleged “bad” conduct has rubbed the senior bureaucrat the wrong way, but how to deal with the woman remains a dilemma, given her public prominence

Ambition drives friends away 

Is a presidential hopeful getting carried away by his profile or simply growing more confident? That is the question emerging among some of his colleagues and friends, who say his visibility has coincided with strained relationships. Those who once offered him advice are said to be finding it harder to get through to him, with some claiming their counsel is no longer as welcome as it once was. This has left some of his associates wondering whether his political stature is changing the dynamics of his relationships with those who have supported him along the way.

Opposition chief’s claim draws anger; leader faces backlash

At least three high-ranking members of an opposition outfit are unhappy with one of their colleagues over his recent remarks, dismissing some anti-government parties as mere distractions with no serious plans and strategies to field candidates in the 2027 General Elections. The officials were overheard demanding to be informed why he would make such claims when they had spent a fortune organising and preparing their parties for the elections. They then vowed to teach him a lesson he would not forget.