President Ruto Faces Criticism as Cabinet Struggles to Deliver on Mandate

03, Aug 2023 / 2 min read/ By Livenow Africa

Since President William Ruto assumed office, his cabinet has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism over its ability to deliver on the Kenya Kwanza agenda. Despite promising to appoint professionals and technocrats in the early days of his administration, Ruto's cabinet has come under fire for its lackluster performance.

A Vetting Committee of the National Assembly expressed concerns over the calibre of nominees presented by President Ruto, with accusations that political expediency played a significant role in the appointments rather than merit and competence.

In recent events, President Ruto expressed frustration and disappointment with some members of his executive. He locked out Cabinet Secretaries who arrived late for an event at State House, Nairobi, and accused them of being clueless in their dockets.

One incident involved Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, who faced intense questioning from MPs and was criticized for giving ambiguous responses and lacking a strong understanding of matters within his ministry.

Other members of the cabinet have also made high-profile blunders that have embarrassed the Kenya Kwanza regime and the Kenyan government. Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria faced criticism for his comments on the Sudan conflict, while his remarks on Chinese traders sparked tensions with the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary, Aisha Jumwa, lifted a ban on disco matanga, despite the responsibility falling under the Ministry of Interior's jurisdiction. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha also issued an order to transfer an OCS, asserting powers that did not fall under her purview.

Analysts and Kenyans have expressed concerns about the competence of Ruto's cabinet, with some believing that political allegiances outweighed competence in the selection process. The President has been urged to take charge and rein in his Cabinet Secretaries to restore order and confidence in his government.

Despite these challenges, President Ruto's cabinet remains a focal point of public and media attention. Kenyans are keenly watching to see how the government will address its shortcomings and deliver on its promises in the face of growing criticism and scrutiny.

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