National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has responded to Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria over his remarks that the government is an advertising agency. 

Speaking during the burial of Mzee Kingi Mwaruwa, father to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi in Kilifi on Friday, February 21, 2025, Wetang’ula scoffed at Muheria’s sentiments noting that he has not read and familiarized himself with the Constitution. 

He went on to defend that it is important for the government to showcase its projects to the people for transparency and accountability over the use of public resources. 

“Ukisema government is not an advertising agency, it means you have not read the constitution of Kenya, kwa sababu the constitution we refer to says the centrality are the people of Kenya so they must know and participate in everything we do.

“So as a government we have a duty to continue broadcasting whatever we do for all Kenyans to know from Vanga to Lokichogio, from Malava to Lamu,” he said. 

Mudavadi’s response

Wetang’ula’s jab at the man of the cloth comes shortly after Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi issued his response over Muheria’s comments. 

In his attack on the bishop, Mudavadi termed his statements as misleading and unfair.

He also defended the government stating that it was only engaging the public to keep Kenyans informed.

The CS further expressed that informing the public about national developments was standard practice in super power countries such as the US and the UK. 

“Kwa hivyo, kuita serikali kama advertising agency ni kupotosha wananchi,” he declared.

“Hata kule Amerika lazima Trump aeleze watu wake anataka kufanya nini. Ukienda Uingereza, wanaeleza. Kwa hivyo, ni jukumu la serikali kuhakikisha inazungumza na wananchi wa taifa hili, ndiyo baadaye waendelee na maendeleo. Tunaweza kusema tujenge hapa, lakini nyinyi hamtaki,” he said.

Muheria’s take

Muheria had called out the government accusing them of focusing on publicity rather than actually implementing projects that serve Kenyans. 

He lamented that the Kenya Kwanza administration was obsessing over making a good impression by makin noise about its plans instead of actual service. 

“There has to be less rhetoric. We have to stop advertising and act. The government seems to be preoccupied with showcasing projects and plans, but governance is not about promotions—it is about execution. That is what we need to see,” Muheria stated.

“We must transition from government advertisement to actual governance. Stop publicising what you intend to do and what you claim to have done, and instead roll up your sleeves and deliver. We have professionals, experts, and resources that can drive real progress, particularly in critical areas such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, and economic stability,” he added.