Bomet residents jeer Energy CS David Chirchir in Ruto’s presence
Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir faced a chorus of jeers and boos from an irate crowd during a thanksgiving ceremony in Sotik on November 19, 2023.
Attempts by Chirchir, a close ally of President William Ruto, to address the gathering at the church service were drowned out, perhaps underscoring the growing dissent against him.
The Head of State was present at the event.
Chirchir spoke in vernacular as the audience continued to express their disapproval with the boos.
Despite the growing negativity from the crowd, the powerful CS remained determined and didn’t seem bothered by the loud sounds of disagreement.
The situation created a tense atmosphere, with the the senior government official persisting through the increasing disapproval from the audience.
This incident follows Chirchir’s recent admission during a tree planting exercise in Baringo County regarding the controversial importation and ownership of a fuel consignment valued at Ksh.17 billion.
The consignment’s association with the disappearance of a businesswoman namely Ann Njeri, embroiled in a battle for the cargo with two oil marketing companies, has sparked public outrage.
Chirchir broke his silence six days ago, acknowledging that Ms Njoroge, the missing businesswoman, had sought assistance at his office.
Njoroge went missing after reporting a statement at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, just days after her alleged consignment of 100,000 metric tonnes of diesel arrived at the port of Mombasa without her authorization.
Chirchir is in charge of both the petrol and electricity docket which have experienced significantly increase in purchase prices.
Chirchir was for the first time in 2013 appointed as Energy and Petroleum CS by Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He was suspended in 2015 after alleged involvement in corruption.
In September 2022, Chirchir was appointed the Chief of Staff at the Executive Office of the President.
In a confidential letter from the Head of Public service Joseph Kinyua directing Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries not to leave the country unless their exit is approved by the President, Chirchir featured as the chief of staff in the office of the president.
He previously served as Chief of Staff in the office of the deputy president, previously occupied by William Ruto who was elected president in the August 9, polls.
Chirchir was appointed into the DP’s office by the Public Service Commission, on March 1, 2022, replacing the late Ken Osinde.
In 2009, Chirchir served as the Information Technology Director at the defunct Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC).
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Catholic Church tells Ruto to make tree planting a regular exercise