Peter Mbae speaks on his tumultuous tenure in Ruto’s govt, resignation and DCP ties
By Luke Oluoch, January 21, 2026Former Head of the Government Delivery Unit, Peter Mbae, has opened up on the events leading to his resignation from the government in 2025.
In a candid interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Mbae explained that his decision stemmed from enduring frustrations, blackmail, and being undermined.
He has since justified his exit, alluding to what he termed the dwindling standards and ratings of the William Ruto-led regime.
Ruined things
“We take up some jobs because of the work we want to get done. I went to the government as a consultant; my life is bigger than government. I have made a name for myself. Just ask yourself: Out of the six million who voted for this government, how many would want to vote for them again? They have ruined things, so how can I want to be part of their mess?” he stated.
Mbae, who rose through the ranks from a mere technical adviser before serving the Kenya Kwanza government in various capacities—including head of programs in the Ministry of Public Service and head of government service delivery, refuted assertions that he was favoured.
“As a consultant, you only get a contract to leverage your services. I was duly appointed and given my position on merit by the Public Service Commission. However, you cannot give me a job on merit and then start showing me madharau (disrespect). We were there to help the government, and I did it perfectly well with passion and ethics,” he said.
Ruto’s Cabinet reshuffle
Mbae explained where the proverbial rain started beating him, alluding to a past retreat in Naivasha after the Gen Z uprising exerted more pressure on the government.
According to him, the Gen Z revolution was used as a guise for reshuffles that were ostensibly aimed at settling political scores.
He recalled confronting his bosses over people’s discontent and proposing specific directives and programs to get the government back on track, which derailed the whole process.
“As an expert on delivery, I told my boss we have to do something and deliver for the people. In one retreat in Naivasha, we told our boss what we could do to get the services done.”
“I realised instead of working, we were settling political scores. The CSs [Cabinet Secretaries], full of themselves with expensive watches and lavish lifestyles, never budged or changed. Later, Riggy G [Rigathi Gachagua] was gone, and I told myself, “This is it! There was no delivery anymore. I was almost depressed. Humiliation and frustration in the corridors of power followed,” he added.
Mbae announced his resignation from public service in January 2025, citing a challenging work environment and long-standing unresolved issues.
He has since aligned with Rigathi Gachagua’s new political outfit, DCP, where he acts as the Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs