Anglican Church accuses President Ruto of tribalism in state appointments
By Winnie MabelThe House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Kenya have accused President William Ruto of nepotism and tribalism in state appointments.
Anglican Church bishops made their views public following a meeting they held on Tuesday and Wednesday to consult, reflect and pray for various issues affecting the country, including governance, the state of the economy, access to quality education, climate change, healthcare and security.
“There is glaring tribalism and cronyism, particularly with regard to public appointments. There is apparent lack of accountability and transparency in our institutions. This is not acceptable. Let all institutions and government agencies be impartial and efficient, and not simply beholden to political influence, but serve all Kenyans with impartiality,” the bishops said in a statement.
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“Political tensions feed off poor governance, and no number of talks will create harmony if the government fails the accountability test. We see that the government is walking the slippery path by slackening in fight against corruption. To our dismay, impunity in the management of public resources and public affairs is becoming the order of the day,” the statement further reads.
In the past few weeks, President Ruto has made key appointments that have not sat well with leaders across the political divide as well as a section of Kenyans. In March, the president was blocked by the High Court from appointing 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries – many of them his political backers who lost in last year’s elections.
Despite this court order, President Ruto went on to appoint and direct the 50 CAS to assume office without going through any Parliamentary vetting as is the protocol. The president has also been accused of not factoring ethnic and regional balance in the appointments of parastatal chiefs.
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In February, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told the country that the government is a company and some Kenyans are majority shareholders while some have no shares.
“This government is a company that has shares. There are owners who have the majority of shares, and those with just a few, while others do not have any. You invested in this government and you must reap. You sowed, tilled, put manure and irrigated and now it is time to reap,” Gachagua said.
He also said those who are shareholders will be the first to be rewarded with state jobs unlike their detractors in the opposition.
“Elections have significance. You cannot make noise talking ill of Ruto and after he wins you get in line to get benefits before those who were with him. That is my work at State House; controlling that queue and deciding who is ahead of whom,” he said.
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