‘What matters is not our individual interest’- Namwamba reflects on dismissal, tenure as CS
Immediate former Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts, Ababu Namwamba, has reflected on his tenure in office.
Namwamba, a former Budalang’i MP, was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Sports in September, replacing Amina Mohamed, who served in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration since March 2019.
Namwamba’s dismissal
Namwamba was later dismissed by President William Ruto, who sent his entire cabinet home following recent public pressure.
Namwamba, who previously served in the same docket under the late President Mwai Kibaki in 2012, emphasized that holding public office is not a right but an honour.
“Appointment to serve in public office is an honour. It is not a right or entitlement. There are over 50 million Kenyans who deserve to occupy any public office. If given a chance, they will offer their best,” he stated.
Namwamba expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under different presidents, acknowledging that the president has the right to choose who they want in their government.
“I feel honored that three presidents gave me an opportunity to serve. President Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and President William Ruto gave me a chance to serve in the last 21 months. It is at the president’s prerogative. The president constructs his government according to his vision and agenda. I thank him for the period he has given me in this docket,” he added.
Namwamba achievements
Namwamba listed significant achievements, including lifting the FIFA ban, securing the ticket to host AFCON 2027, and the Junior Starlets’ World Cup qualification.
“I believe I have done my best. We managed to have the FIFA ban lifted, AFCON is coming to Kenya, motorsport is coming up strongly, and for the first time, a team from Kenya is heading to the World Cup. There are many success stories, but at the end, it is up to the president to decide the way forward,” he said.
He concluded by stressing the importance of prioritizing the nation’s best interests over individual interests.
“What matters at the end of the day is not our individual interests but what is in the best interest of Kenya,” he concluded.