Broad-based Cabinet must enable Ruto deliver
Today marks two years since President William Ruto was sworn into office. The President rode to power on expectations of low-income Kenyans and youths, whom he had promised descent jobs and access to credit.
On ascending to power, Ruto was keen to present himself a fresh, out-of-the-box thinker who was not confined to the old norms of doing things, some sort of revolutionary and modern thinker on the African political stage marked by ageing politicians. He spoke of grandiose plans on the economy, jobs, the global financing system, health care and climate change. He has projected a know-it-all, messianic image that was impervious to alternative thinking.
Some Kenyans argued that he seemed inebriated in his own universe, which was divorced from the reality on the ground. He perfected a culture of telling lies, cheered on by a youthful and inexperienced rich cartel of politicians who spoke at cross-purposes with the people.
There is frustration that Ruto was more talk and less action almost two years into his State House tenure. Kenyans are more frustrated at what they saw as denigration of a Constitution that they had fought hard for, corruption, extrajudicial killings, tribalism and nepotism and impunity among State officials.
The governing elite has consistently displayed disdain for people who have delegated powers to them. Kenya has witnessed a sustained onslaught aimed at weakening independent oversight institutions, including the media. Police brutality against journalists, intimidation and threats from government officials have been a major concern among media practitioners and progressive crusaders for good governance.
It took deadly protests by young Kenyans against opulence by insensitive government officials, high taxes, access to education loans and vital documents for the Ruto administration to face reality. Kenyans want a government that not only listens but respects the voice of the people.
The Ruto administration promised decent housing, health care, education, mobility and access to opportunities for all Kenyans. However, projects around these critical areas have been turned to troughs of corruption by officials who, audit reports show, have been stealing billions from the public. There have been loud murmurs that government appointments are skewed in favour of a few communities who hoisted Ruto to power. This is a violation of the Constitution.
After reconstituting his Cabinet to form what he called a broad-based government, Ruto should now focus on service delivery.