National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has fired back at critics following his controversial statement on the need to eliminate public participation in development projects.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the DEVKI iron processing project in Manga, Taita Taveta County on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Junet remained bullish indicating that people cannot dictate his style of politics.
In a dismissive tone, the Suna East MP told off his critics insisting that he would continue speaking his mind out despite the opposing sentiments raised by a section of Kenyans.
“Jana nimeongea hapa Taita Taveta, naona wengine wananirukia… bana mdomo ni yangu, siasa ni yangu. Wamama walisema, my dress my choice, mimi pia nasema my politics, my choice. Huwezi kunilazimisha vile mimi nataka kuenda (Yesterday I spoke here in Taita Taveta and I saw people come at me… the mouth is mine and the politics is also mine. Women said, my dress my choice and now I say, my politics, my choice. You cannot force me how to move),” Junet Mohamed said.
Junet’s controversial suggestion
On Monday, December 2, 2024, Junet Mohamed was among the leaders who accompanied President William Ruto to Taita Taveta County.
Addressing the residents, he stirred debate by suggesting the Kenyan government eliminate public participation in development projects.
He argued that the process creates unnecessary bottlenecks, delaying the government’s agenda.
The Suna East MP criticized the existing framework, which mandates consultation with stakeholders such as citizens, civil society, and religious institutions before rolling out projects.
Junet compared government decision-making to family matters, claiming that approval processes within a household are simpler.
“Hii mambo ya kuomba ruhusa kwa kila mtu lazima ikwishe(This thing of requesting permission from everyone, must stop). Serikali haiwezi kuomba ruhusa mahakama na kanisa ati ndio waweke stima (The government cannot ask for permission from the court and the church so that it can instal electricity,” Junet stated sparking debate online.
The ODM lawmaker made reference to the Adani cancelled deals urging the people to help the President bring other investors since they opposed the Indian conglomerate to rehabilitate the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) which he told Taita Taveta residents it is in bad shape.
