Former Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has broken his silence following President William Ruto's decision to dismiss him from his cabinet in July 2024.
Speaking on Monday evening during an interview on TV 47, the long-serving CS maintained that he holds no bitterness with Ruto for dismissing him from the cabinet following the nationwide youth protests in June last year.
While addressing his relationship with the Head of State, the former CS avoided direct criticism of the President, maintaining that he still holds a cordial relationship with Ruto.
Chelugui explained that the dismissal emanated from the youth-led protests, which were sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which later forced the Head of State to withdraw it.
“We had a finance bill that had introduced various instruments for raising revenue. And as you know, we have a big debt to raise. At the right time, we felt the youth had spoken; they did not want taxation on various internet-related activities," Chelugui noted.
"I occasionally interact and engage with the president, and I was the longest-serving secretary of the cabinet, having served in both the previous and current administrations," he added.
Chelugui, who served under both former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Ruto's administrations, reiterated that he respects the decision to have him step aside and allow others to serve.
"I think it was also right for me to step back and allow others to serve. But that does not mean I am in the cold," the former CS added.
However, during the interview, Chelugui took issue with one thing in President Ruto's administration; he faulted the current administration for slow responsiveness to issues affecting Kenyans.
According to Chelugui, since Ruto took office, he has been reluctant to respond to some of the critical concerns raised by Kenyans, adding that the move has since sparked resentment from many Kenyans.
"What we missed was going back to the people after the promises to run the course together. There is a difference between a plan and action; the plan was very ambitious," the former CS revealed.
Adding: "At the beginning of this administration, some programmes were being rolled out and there were too many and took fast, but the speed has become normal."
