The Vice-Governor of the province of Kasaï Oriental, Julie Kalenga, has been officially notified to take over the interim from her predecessor, Patrick Mathias Kabeya Matshi Abidi, who is currently under indictment by the Provincial Assembly.
According to a telegram from the Ministry of the Interior obtained by Kilalopresse, this decision follows the resolution taken by provincial deputies on July 24, 2023, which charges Governor Kabeya with judicial proceedings.
In this document, it is specified that “You are appointed to assume the interim of the Progouv and manage current affairs until the organization of the election by the CENI of the new Chief of the provincial executive”.
The charge against Patrick Mathias Kabeya Matshi Abidi stems from a parliamentary investigation conducted by an ad hoc commission, which revealed a misappropriation of public funds. Despite the obligation to resign imposed by the internal regulations and the organizational law, Kabeya has not yet officially resigned.
This sudden transition and the legal uncertainty surrounding it underscore the importance of transparent governance and public accountability. As Kasaï Oriental awaits the appointment of a new executive leader, it is Julie Kalenga who, for now, takes the reins of the province.
By David Balekelayi
