Kathiani Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Mbui has voiced strong disapproval over President William Ruto’s decision to reappoint several individuals from his former Cabinet. Speaking on Monday , Mbui characterized Ruto’s actions as indicative of serious confusion within his administration. The President’s decision to reintroduce some of the same faces into the Cabinet, according to Mbui, undermines public confidence in Ruto’s leadership.
Public Discontent and Criticism
MP Mbui’s remarks come in the wake of President Ruto’s announcement of the first batch of new Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) on Friday. This list, which included 11 nominees, featured a mix of returning and new faces. Among the reappointed were six former CSs, who are stepping into different ministries compared to their previous roles. Only four from the previous Cabinet retained their original positions, namely Prof. Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Aden Duale (Defence), Alice Wahome (Lands), and Soipan Tuya (Forestry).
The reappointment of these individuals has sparked public outcry and criticism. Mbui argues that Ruto’s approach demonstrates a lack of genuine reform and fails to address the public’s demand for a fresh and effective leadership. “The decision to bring back some of those who were previously dismissed, coupled with the haste in which these appointments were made, indicates a deeper issue with the President’s administration,” Mbui stated.
The Call for Transparency and Professionalism
The MP’s criticism extends beyond mere reappointments. He emphasizes that the President missed a significant opportunity to involve the public in the nomination process. Mbui suggests that Ruto could have solicited applications from the public and assembled a team based on merit and professional qualifications rather than political connections.
“The Gen Z have been vocal about their desire for a leadership that prioritizes expertise over personal relationships. They have explicitly asked that government appointments be based on professional qualifications rather than favoritism,” Mbui remarked. He further asserted that the President’s failure to address these calls reflects poorly on his ability to lead effectively.
President Ruto’s Justification
In his address, President Ruto defended the appointments by stating that they followed extensive consultations across the political spectrum. He positioned the nominations as a move towards restoring stability and addressing the recent youth-led anti-government protests. The President’s strategy appears to be a balancing act between political inclusivity and practical governance.
Among the new appointments, notable changes include the former Trace CS being nominated for the Attorney-General position and former Energy CS Davis Chirchir moving to the Roads and Transport docket. This reshuffle aims to bring a blend of continuity and change, yet it has not quelled the criticism from various quarters.
Public Sentiment and Future Implications
The reappointments and their public reception underscore a broader debate about governance and accountability in Kenya. As the nation grapples with these new developments, the efficacy of the Cabinet and the President’s strategic decisions will be closely scrutinized.
MP Mbui’s critique highlights a critical perspective on the current administration’s approach to governance. The emphasis on involving the public and focusing on professional expertise reflects a growing demand for transparency and competence in Kenya’s political landscape. Whether President Ruto will address these concerns and adapt his strategies remains to be seen, but the current discontent signals a challenging path ahead for his administration.
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