Kenyan minister resigns due to "poor health"

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Anne Waiguru resigned on Saturday, citing medical reasons as a result of increased attacks on her and family over corruption allegations.

Waiguru told a news conference in Nairobi that she has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to relieve her of her responsibilities to serve in this crucial ministry following the doctor's advice.

"In view of the impact these events have had on my health, I have been advised by my doctor to take time off to recover and to undertake much lighter duties for some time," she told journalists, adding that her fight against corruption has been turned into a fight against her and her family.

Waiguru's resignation comes amid a scandal involving some of its flagship projects,at the National Youth Service (NYS), the country's premier vocational training institute for under privileged youth, which has caused a political storm with the opposition demanding that she steps aside.

A parliamentary inquiry in the devolution ministry revealed that officials allegedly inflated government purchases, including the much criticized case of spending 85 U.S. dollars for a simple pen and buying of sex toys.

Waiguru regretted over mistakes made by officials at the NYS, adding that the events of the last few months concerning the misappropriation of over 8 million U.S. dollars at the NYS have had a devastating impact on her health.

Already, five cabinet secretaries and several parastatal chiefs are on suspension in Kenyatta's first corruption purge. The president said the issue of graft was not about any individuals, but about reclaiming the reputation and integrity of the country.

On Friday, Kenyatta told all agencies involved in the war against corruption that their performance will be judged on successful prosecutions. He said the anti-graft agencies must work together for them to make a meaningful impact in the efforts to control the misuse of public resources.

This week alone, 72 individuals including a Principal Secretary and five Managing Directors in the government, were arraigned in court on corruption related offenses. This brings to a total of 352 high profile personalities charged in court for corruption or abuse of office in the last six months. Enditem