Leakey Resigns From Economic-Rescue Job

Renowned conservationist Richard Leakey has resigned from his post as head of the civil service and leader of a team designed to extricate Kenya from its myriad economic problems, the president’s office said.

Leakey, who has made enemies with his blunt approach and has had a difficult relationship with President Daniel Arap Moi, volunteered to step down, the office said. Leakey could not be reached for comment.

Leakey was named by Moi to head the civil service in 1999. He became the informal head of a “dream team” to clean up the corrupt and inefficient agency, work toward privatization of state-owned companies and stabilize the economy.