By Ongaga Ongaga
A directive requiring staff in Makueni County to take an oath of secrecy has sparked mixed reactions, with some leaders raising concerns about transparency in public service.
In a circular dated March 3, 2026, the county government invited all departmental sub-county staff to undertake the oath as part of efforts to strengthen the handling and protection of official government information.
The notice, issued by Chief Officer for Devolution, Public Participation, County Administration and Special Programmes Daniel Ndolo, states that the exercise aims to safeguard government communication and ensure confidentiality among public officers while promoting compliance with legal and policy frameworks.
“The Government of Makueni County is in the process of ensuring that all staff take the oath of secrecy in order to strengthen the handling and protection of government communication and information by all officers,” the circular says.
According to the schedule, the oath-taking sessions are planned across several sub-counties between March 5 and March 11.
The exercise began in Makueni Sub-County on March 5 at Vote Green Park, with another session held in Kaiti Sub-County later the same day at the Sub-County Administrator’s Office in Kilungu. Additional sessions are scheduled for Mbooni on March 9, Kibwezi West and Kibwezi East on March 10, and Kilome on March 11.
However, the directive has drawn criticism from some political leaders.
Philip Kaloki, who is eyeing the Makueni gubernatorial seat in the next General Election, described the move as “institutional censorship,” arguing that it could undermine constitutional provisions on transparency.
“Compelling employees of Makueni to take an oath of secrecy is institutional censorship. It offends Articles 10 and 35, which guarantee transparency in public service and the citizen’s right to access information held by the County,” Kaloki said in a statement.
He added that suppressing information could undermine accountability in public administration.
“Suppressing truth invites waste and shields failure. The Constitution cannot be suspended for convenience,” he said.
Kaloki also challenged the county administration led by Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to account for development progress in the county.
“Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, you must account for the nearly KSh 50 billion entrusted to Makueni. Where is the visible change?” he posed.
The former governor further pledged that if elected in the 2027 elections, he would immediately revoke the directive.
“In 2027, upon taking office, I will revoke these secrecy impositions immediately. This county needs performance, not paranoia,” he said.
The county government has yet to publicly respond to the criticism, but the circular indicates that staff are expected to attend the scheduled sessions and observe punctuality as the oath-taking exercise continues across the county.