It was a case of love and hate in equal measure as Interior Security Permanent Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho handed over the docket.
Kibicho handed over the State Department of Interior to its new Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo who was sworn in at State House on Friday alongside 50 others.
Friends described Kibicho in glowing terms while his foes described his an arrogant civil servant who contributed greatly to the hatred toward former President Uhuru Kenya.
Prominent blogger and political activist Pauline Njoroge described Kibicho, an astute public servant who was the longest serving PS in the previous administration (2010-2022) – a service of 12 years.
“Wishing my boss and longtime mentor all the best as he proceeds to the next phase of his life. I am grateful for all he has taught me and the levels he has challenged me to aspire to. Also for the many young people I know, whose lives he impacted,” wrote Ms Njoroge.
But another blogger Sadrah Kimani was not so kind with words but instead appeared to blame Kibicho for many of the political missteps of the last regime.
She wrote that Kibicho was one of the most dictatorial and arrogant public servants that ever served in hovernment.
“Rude beyond measure, unprofessionally disrespectful to everyone, his seniors in Government, to his peers and even to those he was employed to serve – Wanjiku,” said Ms Kimani
She claimed that Kibicho single handedly made Kenyans resent Uhuru Kenyatta and the entire regime.
But a statement by Kibicho as he handed over that he had eliminated passport cartels is what left Kenyans wondering whether he “lives” in the country.
Kenyans said the passports cartels are thriving and still demand bribes ranging between Sh 10,000 to 20,000 to have passports processed.
