High-ranking members of President William Ruto’s administration on Friday asserted that the government will not shy away from informing the public about its actions and intentions.
In response to comments attributed to Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria, who suggested that the government had become an advertising agency, leaders including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula maintained that Ruto’s administration must highlight projects being undertaken for the benefit of citizens.
“Nimeona viongozi wengine wa kisiasa na wengine wa kanisa wakijaribu kutunyamazisha eti tusiongee mambo ya programmes ambazo serikali inafanyia wananchi. Katiba yetu inadai serikali ieleze wananchi ile mipangilio yote inataka kutekeleza,” said Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the burial of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s father in Kilifi County
Mudavadi argued that it is unjust to criticise the President when his actions align with constitutional requirements. He emphasised that citizens must be informed about the progress and impact of state projects.
“Kuna viongozi wengine wanatumia jukwaa la kanisa, wanasema serikali isiambie Wakenya inafanya nini, ifanye tu. Haiwezekani. Kulingana na katiba, lazima serikali izungumze na wananchi ndio ifanye maendeleo. Kuita serikali kama advertising agency ni kupotosha wananchi. Kule Marekani, Trump anaeleza wananchi anafanya nini,” he said
Speaker Wetangula echoed Mudavadi’s sentiments, stressing that public participation in development is essential.
“Kama wewe ni Bishop, chunga lane yako, linda mioyo yetu. It’s very difficult when you rattle people not to answer you back sometimes in a manner that is not appropriate. Ukisema government is not an advertising agency, it means you have not read the Constitution. People of Kenya must know, participate in everything we do,” he said
“As a government we have a duty to continue broadcasting whatever we do to all Kenyans to know,” he added
He lamented the negativity surrounding government programmes and urged Kenyans to be cautious not to damage the country’s image.
“Kwa ndugu zetu ambao wanachampion mambo ambayo yanaleta negative energy katika nchi yetu, kila kitu ikifanywa wanaona ubaya pekee yake, let’s love each other, lets love our country. Let’s use language that brings people of Kenya together,” he said
