Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua laid down a stern directive: loyalty to President William Ruto is non-negotiable. Speaking at the National Defense University, Gachagua emphasized the need for unwavering support for Ruto, labeling the new Cabinet members as “soldiers in an army that has only one general.”
This robust stance reflects a strategic shift in Kenya’s political landscape, where the Deputy President is positioning loyalty as a cornerstone of the administration’s effectiveness. By underscoring that the cabinet’s allegiance to the president is non-negotiable, Gachagua is setting a clear tone for the direction of the government. “Loyalty to the head of state and government is not negotiable,” Gachagua asserted, reinforcing the idea that the Cabinet’s role is to support and implement the President’s agenda without dissent.
In addition to enforcing loyalty, Gachagua addressed the issue of corruption, urging the Cabinet Secretaries to steer clear of ethical pitfalls. He highlighted the critical need to avoid corruption, a point underscored by the recent challenges facing the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). “You have been taken through the expectations of your roles, the macro-economic context in which we find ourselves, and the corruption pitfalls that you must avoid,” he warned, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity to protect the administration’s credibility.
Gachagua’s focus on transparency extends to the working environment within the government. He urged the Cabinet members to adopt a servant leadership style, characterized by an open-door policy. This approach, he explained, will foster a culture of transparency and encourage honest feedback from subordinates. “Don’t lock yourself up in your office – move around and find out what is really going on,” he advised, advocating for a leadership style that is both approachable and responsive to the needs of the public.
The Deputy President’s call for servant leadership aligns with his broader vision for the administration. By encouraging Cabinet Secretaries to be actively engaged with the public and their teams, Gachagua aims to ensure that government policies are informed by on-the-ground realities and diverse perspectives. This approach is intended to enhance the government’s responsiveness and effectiveness.
Furthermore, Gachagua addressed the issue of collective responsibility within the Cabinet. He emphasized that personal opinions should be set aside in favor of unified support for presidential directives and Cabinet decisions. “You are now also bound by collective responsibility,” he stated, noting that personal views must yield to official policy pronouncements. This directive highlights a shift towards a more disciplined and cohesive government structure, where Cabinet members are expected to align their public statements and actions with the official stance of the administration.
In his address, Gachagua also touched upon the role of youth in shaping Kenya’s future. He acknowledged the growing clamor for better leadership among the younger generation, framing it as an opportunity to drive significant societal changes. “The great task of our season in leadership is to initiate an industrial, agricultural, and digital age revolution that will create millions more jobs for, particularly the youth,” he remarked. This forward-looking vision reflects an understanding of the demographic and economic shifts affecting Kenya and highlights the administration’s commitment to addressing these challenges.
In conclusion, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s address to the new Cabinet Secretaries marks a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape. His emphasis on loyalty, integrity, and collective responsibility sets a clear framework for the administration’s operation, while his call for servant leadership and responsiveness to youth aspirations signals a commitment to inclusive and dynamic governance. As the new Cabinet embarks on its role, the principles laid out by Gachagua will likely shape the administration’s approach to governance and public service in the coming years.
