Citizen TV has brought to light a disturbing exposé that puts Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, under heavy criticism for what many are calling blatant discrimination and abuse of power.
The report focuses on Phyllis Anyango Ouko, a senior civil servant in the Office of the President, who has been sleeping in her Harambee House office for three nights straight to protect it from being demolished.
She is not making a political stand she is simply trying to keep her job and her dignity.
Phyllis is a wheelchair user and currently serves as Secretary, Administration in the Ministry of Interior.
She was told to vacate her first-floor office to allow for renovations and move to the eighth floor. She refused the relocation because the higher floor would put her at great risk in case of emergencies or lift failure.
Her office is the only space left intact as the rest of the first floor has already been brought down.
Her pleas to Felix Koskei to consider her disability and relocate her to a lower, safer floor have been completely ignored.
In a heartbreaking account recorded by Citizen TV, Phyllis explained how she’s being cornered. “Orders have been given; the moment she gets out of there, demolish the office,” she said, adding that she feels like she’s being timed like a rat.
Construction continues right outside her door as she tries to carry on with her duties. She says that moving to the eighth floor is not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. When she first came to inspect the higher floor, the lift wasn’t working and she had to be carried up the stairs a near-disastrous event that could have ended in serious injury.
According to Phyllis, the real reason for the forced relocation is Felix Koskei’s desire to expand his own office. She claims he wants the whole first floor for himself a luxury she says even previous heads of public service didn’t demand.
“At least those who were there before listened,” she said.
Her case isn’t just about space; it’s about basic human decency and the rights of persons with disabilities.
Despite having over 20 years in civil service, Phyllis is being forced into a corner without any support from those in power. She says she has been left alone, fighting for her right to a safe and accessible workspace.
Her suggestion to be moved to the third or fourth floor instead of the eighth was also ignored.
This incident raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities. President William Ruto recently signed the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, into law, and Article 54(2) of the Constitution demands that public institutions not only include at least 5% of persons with disabilities but also create environments that are safe and accessible to them.
Yet, the current public service representation sits at only 1.8%, still falling short of the target.
The Disability Policy & Guidelines for the Public Service also clearly states that duty stations must be safe and accessible to officers with disabilities and that emergency procedures must be in place.
This situation shows the complete opposite. Phyllis Anyango Ouko’s story is not just a personal tragedy it’s a national shame. And it exposes how people in high positions like Felix Koskei appear to be willing to sacrifice the safety of others just to make room for their egos.
The silence from the Office of the President over this issue only makes it worse. What’s happening at Harambee House is not just unethical it’s a betrayal of the very laws and values the government claims to stand for.
