The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) on Monday, September 18 suspended Director General Ezra Chiloba.

Chiloba was suspended following the authority’s board meeting held on the same day.

In his place, Christopher Wambua has been appointed in acting capacity effective immediately.

Responding to the decision to suspend Chiloba, Prof. Edward Kisiangani – the PS in the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications – said that he will give a comprehensive statement after getting a brief on it.

Ministry doesn’t micromanage bodies

PS Kisiangani said that the Ministry does not micro-manage state corporations that are under it, and that the CA board — led by Chairperson Mary Mungai — has the authority to make autonomous decisions.

“The Ministry does not micro-manage state corporations. They have their own boards, chairpersons and other board members who take decisions almost on a daily basis.

“They do oversight on things like the way resources are being used and the way staff are being handled, but finally the Ministry gets a report,” PS Kisiangani said.

Bad blood between Ezra Chiloba and Mary Mungai?

There has been speculations of misunderstandings between Chiloba and Mungai, but PS Kisiangani says he’s not aware of that.

“I am not aware of difficulties between Chiloba and Chairperson Mary Mungai. I know her and she has not told me of any misunderstandings.”

Irregularities in CA Mortgage Scheme

There has been allegations of irregularities in CA’s mortgage scheme. According to PS Kisiangani, investigations are ongoing in that regard.

“I have been aware of the allegations of irregularities within the mortgage scheme, and it is part of the oversight the board has been working on. There has been investigations going on in that regard. The process had not been concluded,” he said.

The PS, however, added that he has the authority to overturn the board’s decision if he finds out Chiloba’s suspension was not done in the right way.

Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani – in his capacity as a PS – sits at the board of directors of the Communication Authority.