NAIROBI – A wide crack has emerged withing the Kenya Kwanza Administration, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trade Minister Moses Kuria engaging in war of words on social media.
The situation started with David Ndii, President Ruto’s Economic Advisor, had earlier indicated on social media that Kenyans had been let down by promises from greedy politicians, suggesting the country is in the worst possible financial situation and would require ‘pain’ to resuscitate it.
Kuria also reacted to public outcry over the rising cost of fuel in the country by suggesting the cost of fuel would further rise, and those dissatisfied by the development should ‘sink their own oil wells’
Upon his return from Colombia, DP Gachagua attempted to put the Kenya Kwanza house in order through a statement, saying he had noted with concern the exchanges between public servants and the people of Kenya.
“I want to call upon fellow leaders, particularly those that our President, H.E Dr William Ruto, has given the privilege to serve Kenyans to exercise caution in addressing Their Employer- the People of Kenya. It is Insensitive to talk down on The People.” Gachagua said in a statement on Sunday.
Without naming Kuria and Ndii, the Deputy President said government officials should not address Kenyans, their employer, with arrogance.
“Do so with humility and decorum. Kenyans, like the rest of the world, are going through difficult economic times and leaders should address them with sensitivity and empathy. Responsible leaders should be sensitive and inspire hope to the people.
“Talking down on the people and demoralising those who look up to them for solutions and a way out of the difficult situation they find themselves in is not good leadership. Please do not spite the People of Kenya,”Gachagua said.
In what appeared to dismiss the remarks by Kuria and Ndii, the DP said their utterances were not the position of the Kenya Kwanza Administration.
“The Government remains aware of and is sensitive to the challenges Kenyans are facing today; the arrogant statements by a few leaders DO NOT, in Any Way, reflect the official Government position or that of President William Ruto,” the DP said.
Ina response on his X platform, Kuria said the oil prices will continue increasing, adding that his job is to advise businesses based on science.
“August fuel stocks will land in October. The cost is well known and its scientific. September shipments will land in November. Costs are also known. From there we move to Winter in the US and expected stockpiles. And then the bilateral arrangements between Saudis and Russia on the one side and China and India on the other hand plus ongoing oil cuts.
“As Minister responsible for Private Sector mine is to advise business based on science not truthful voodoo,” Kuria said, referring to Gachagua’s “truthful man” popular phrase.
In another deleted post, Kuria accused the DP of inferiority complex and insecurity.
“Inferiority complex and misplaced insecurities will kill you nani. Relax,” Kuria said before deleting.
His remarks have drawn calls from within Kenya Kwanza for Kuria to be fired.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on Sunday Khalwale called for the dismissal of Kuria as well as his Energy counterpart Davis Chirchir.
Speaking to mourners at Ilala village in Shinyalu constituency on Saturday, the Senate Majority Whip also called for Ndii to be fired.
“They (Kuria, Chirchir, and Ndii) must clarify to Kenyans what they meant when they talked about buying fuel from government to government. If the situation is worsening, you should dismiss these individuals if you wish to see a reduction in fuel prices.”
“I was elected in this country to serve the poor. I don’t care whether the wealthy individuals find petrol expensive, but I am concerned when boda boda operators struggle to afford fuel for their motorcycles,” Khalwale said, adding that if the President does not fire the three, he should expect criticism from the citizens.
