Former Majority Leader of the Kenya Senate, Samuel Poghisio, has criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of prioritizing political loyalty over meritocracy.

Speaking during a breakfast show on a local TV station, Poghisio expressed concern that many individuals hold positions they are not qualified for, simply because they helped President William Ruto’s administration during the election.

Samuel Poghisio on competence

He noted that many office bearers feel secure because of their loyalty to the president, rather than their professional competence.

“The people who hardly qualify but helped him win the election, and probably funded the election, are the ones being appointed. Even in the cabinet, they are there because the president can control the cabinet anyway. It doesn’t matter to him. It’s a different kind of administration where people think they are untouchable. I remember one guy said what would you do, the president will not remove me from this position even when they are unqualified to hold the position,” Poghisio remarked.

He went on to highlight the consequences of choosing political loyalty over meritocracy, warning that it weakens the government.

According to him, such a system encourages officeholders to think only about their short-term benefits rather than long-term governance.

“The weakness in this administration is that meritocracy is not the plan—it’s political loyalty. This creates a weak government, and we are already seeing it in some departments. Some people have been put there who have no experience whatsoever, they can’t handle government,” Poghisio stated.

He described the current government as adopting a “trenchant” approach, where officials are more focused on maximizing their personal gains during their term rather than building sustainable governance. He warned that this attitude would damage the public service, which he considers vital to the country’s progress.

“I call this a trenchant approach to government. They are like we are here for five years. Let’s do what we can do, and occupy what we can occupy, you don’t have to build the space, carry what you can carry. That is not a very good way to look at government. Government must be continuam. What we have done as the country is we have killed the public service and that is what is going to be the undoing,” he added.

Poghisio called on President Ruto to conduct an audit of the government and prioritize meritocracy in appointments.

Samuel Poghisio advice

He argued that putting the right people in the right positions would strengthen the government and improve service delivery.

“Meritocracy is the best option in any government. The president should audit his appointments and ensure that qualified people are given the positions they deserve,” Poghisio urged.

His comments come after President Ruto dissolved his cabinet and reappointed many of the previous officeholders while forming a broad-based government.

Poghisio, who was first elected to parliament in 1988, served as the Senator for West Pokot County from 2017 to 2022. He has been a vocal figure in Kenyan politics for decades, advocating for good governance and reform.