In an interview on Monday, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria shared his reflections and plans for the future following his departure from President Ruto’s cabinet. Kuria’s remarks provided a glimpse into his busy life and ambitions beyond politics, as he balances personal projects with invitations to global forums.
Kuria, who served as a Cabinet Secretary under President Ruto, highlighted the dramatic change in his lifestyle since his stint in the cabinet was cut short. Despite the significant shift, he revealed that his schedule remains packed with a variety of private endeavors. One notable project he mentioned was the writing of a new book, which he began in January and hopes to publish by December.
“I am a very busy person, I am doing my private things, I am writing my book. I started writing my book in January,” Kuria stated during the interview. This literary endeavor signifies Kuria’s transition from his political role to a more introspective phase in his life, where he can explore and document his experiences and insights.
Kuria also spoke about the numerous invitations he receives to speak at international forums and events on global issues. This indicates his continued relevance and influence on the global stage, even after leaving his cabinet position. “I have a lot of invitations even before to speak in international forums and events about global issues. I am not short of things to do,” he remarked, showcasing his commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogues beyond Kenya’s borders.
In a lighter moment, Kuria humorously addressed his current employment status, noting a significant decrease in the number of phone calls he receives. “The calls have dried up. Twice I have had the temptation of taking the phone to the fundi, nini mbaya. No calls compared to when I was CS,” he joked. This change highlights the stark difference in the demands of his time before and after his cabinet tenure, a common experience for many former government officials.
Kuria’s reflections extended to his involvement in shaping President Ruto’s broad-based cabinet. He claimed to have originated the idea of including the opposition in the cabinet, a move aimed at reforming Kenya’s political landscape. Kuria expressed his foresight in anticipating potential challenges, such as the youth-led anti-tax protests, and his proactive discussions with President Ruto on political reforms.
“For avoidance of doubt, this issue of inviting the opposition to government I can largely claim it to be my idea, way before Gen Z. I could see some trouble ahead, I was discussing with the President, we need to reform our politics,” Kuria explained. He further added, “I told him If we have to get out of this, we have to look at things outside the box, so whether I’m in cabinet or not, I’m very proud of the president for doing this, this is what we need.”
Kuria also shared an anecdote about his conversation with Oburu Odinga, where he advocated for the inclusion of opposition members in the cabinet. He recounted, “I remember when Oburu asked me if I wasn’t afraid they would take my position and I said, so be it. It was for the good of the country.”
Kuria’s influence in the formation of President Ruto’s cabinet reflects his dedication to fostering unity and progress in Kenya’s political sphere. As he embarks on new endeavors, including his upcoming book, Kuria continues to leave a lasting impact on both national and international stages, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about Kenya’s future.
