Reports of Peter Mbae’s resignation as the head of the Government Delivery Services (GDS) sparked widespread debate on Monday, with conflicting accounts fueling speculation about the circumstances of his departure. While some suggested Mbae’s exit was a reaction to political meddling and dissatisfaction within the government, official sources have strongly refuted these claims, calling them baseless.
A statement from the Government Delivery Unit clarified that Mbae’s departure was not recent, as widely claimed, but occurred in July 2024 after the dissolution of the Cabinet under which he was appointed. Insiders emphasized that his exit was part of a routine restructuring process and had no connection to the allegations of discontent or political interference making rounds on social media.
Speculation about broader friction within the GDS escalated after reports linked Mbae’s departure to lingering issues allegedly caused by former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria. Kuria, whose own exit from the government was marked by controversy, was rumored to have tried to influence the GDS by placing allies in key positions, a move that some believe created lasting divisions within the department.
However, officials within the Ministry of Public Service dismissed such narratives as unfounded. One senior source, speaking anonymously, described the claims as “pure conjecture” and accused Mbae of leveraging dishonest narratives to shape public perception.
“The notion that his resignation was part of broader government dissatisfaction is baseless,” the official said. Another source echoed these sentiments, stating that ongoing changes within the GDS are aimed at aligning the department with the current administration’s priorities rather than addressing internal conflicts.
The GDS, according to insiders, is undergoing a significant overhaul to streamline operations and improve the delivery of public services. Mbae’s exit, along with other potential leadership changes, is seen as part of this realignment. Insiders hinted that more senior officials could be on their way out as the government seeks to bring in individuals perceived as better equipped to execute its agenda.
“This is the usual noise,” one official remarked. “The real story is that we are focused on delivering results, and those unwilling to adapt to the new priorities are being replaced.”
As the GDS prepares for a potential reshuffling, questions remain about whether these changes will translate into measurable improvements in public service delivery or if they are merely another round of bureaucratic reshuffling. For now, the government insists that the leadership changes, including Mbae’s departure, are a routine matter and not indicative of any underlying political turmoil.