Amani National Congress nominated senator Hon. Petronilla Were Lukorio has demanded answers on why a leading scientist at Kemri was demoted.
Other politicians also joined in seeking answers to why Dr Joel was demoted.
Kakamega Senator Hon Malala sought a statement from the Chairperson of Senate Ad hoc c’tee on Covid-19 situation concerning the sacking of Dr. Joel Lutomia as the Director Centre for Virus research at @kemri and general operations of KEMRI during Covid-19 pandemic. Hon Malala read mischief and open biasness in the demotion and asked CS Kagwe to come clean.
Rising on standing order 48:1. Sen Were sought to know the following.
1)Details of the circumstances that led to the demotion of Dr Joel Lutomiah as Director Kemri center for virus research and chair for Kemri rapid response team.
2)Provide details of Dr Lutomiah’s track record in submitting covid 19 test results prior to the reported delay on Friday of 17th 2020.
3)Explain what challenges and/ or issues that may have contributed to the delayed submission of results on that fateful day.
4)Explain what administrative procedures and processes were utilised in executing his demotion in light of the public service rules and guidelines.
5)Provide details of the issues/challenges Kemri may be facing in scaling up covid 19 testing with regard to personnell, equipment,reagents and funding.
Nairobi Sen Hon Sakaja is the chairman of the adhoc committee on covid19 and is expected to get answers to the above.
Kenyans are still asking to know why Dr Lutomia was demoted yet no action has been taken on the boss at KNH over Ken Wibora’s death.
