Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu on Sunday, January 22, warned President William Ruto over recent appointments.
Wambugu, a member of the Jubilee Party, opined that Ruto should expect less loyalty from his close associates whom he had appointed in various positions.
The politician revealed that although it was expected, he was watching with concern how Ruto was rewarding loyalists with state jobs through appointments in various parastatals and commissions.
“We have seen the President himself or through cabinet secretaries and public service commission appoint his allies to various high positions.
“In turn, appointments that were made by former president Uhuru Kenyatta are being revoked,” the former MP observed.
The recent appointees will not be loyal to Ruto since they will be afraid of being replaced by another administration according to Wambugu.
“What will happen is that we will see more professionalism, and the appointees will be afraid to show their loyalty to the head of state,” Wambugu opined.
Ruto has appointed his close allies to profile key positions, sending home state officers who were appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On November 18, 2022, Francis Muthaura who was a close ally to Uhuru was dismissed as Kenya Revenue Authority chairman and replaced with Anthony Ng’anga.
Before his appointment, Ng’anga had served as chair of the elections board at the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
On January 20, 2023, David Azangu Ngaira who was a close ally to Uhuru was also dismissed as board chairperson of Kenya Electricity Transmission Company.
Ngaira was replaced with Abdi Bare Duale a staunch supporter of UDA.
“While many appointments are being made as a way of rewarding loyalty, Ruto should not expect the appointees to reciprocate,” Wambugu warned the President.
Wambugu also warned his Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni to move on from 2022 election and embrace opposition role.
“The discussion about who won the election and the conduct of Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission has been passed by time.
“Kioni and other politicians in the opposition need to know that it is time to move on,” he remarked.
