The Office of the Ombudsman has moved to enforce strict disciplinary action within its ranks by sending its chief and two senior officials on suspension as inquiries into serious misconduct begin.
Commission Secretary and CEO Mercy Wambua, along with Finance Assistant Director Bernard Nyariki and Supply Chain Assistant Director Damaris Mburu, have been ordered to step aside to allow a full investigation into allegations of incompetence, misconduct, and disobedience to authority.
The Commission said the suspensions take effect immediately and were arrived at after reviewing internal reports and concerns raised about the conduct of the three officials.
The action is grounded in the law and the institution's Human Resource Manual, with the Ombudsman noting it intends to run a transparent and fair process.
In its announcement, the Commission explained that the matter will not be handled internally alone. It will invite the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to carry out independent reviews over what the Commission described as suspected financial issues. These external probes will run alongside the internal disciplinary proceedings.
"The Commission remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We assure the public that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a thorough and impartial process," said the Office of the Ombudsman in a statement.
The public will be updated as the disciplinary actions move forward, the institution added.
Wambua had already been placed on a 14-day interdiction to allow the Commission to look into concerns raised regarding her conduct and performance.
Her suspension was communicated in a letter signed by Commission Chairperson Charles Dulo after a discussion held during the 73rd Commission meeting on October 15, 2025.
She has been at the helm of the institution since March 4, 2022, where she has led efforts to promote fairness and accountability in public administration across the country.
Before joining the Ombudsman, she headed the Law Society of Kenya for six years, where she played a central role in strengthening professional conduct systems and governance structures within the legal community.
Her experience also includes serving as Secretary to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal, the Advocates Benevolent Association, and holding positions at Kituo cha Sheria and the former Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs.
With the suspensions now in motion, the focus shifts to the internal hearings and external reviews expected to determine the next steps for the three officers.
