For sometime now, President Uhuru Kenyatta has complained of his Cabinet Secretaries being reluctant in their jobs. The head of state has particularly called out Cabinet Ministers and Government officials who have mastered the art of politicking instead of focusing on their core mandate which is serving the Kenyan Citizen.
It has been argued that poor performance by many ministers is what prompted President Kenyatta to elevate Interior CS Fred Matiang’i to the heart of his Cabinet.
The elevation of Matiang’i apparently face opposition from a number of Cabinet Secretaries who have argued that Matiang’s elevation is not anchored in law.
“As per the law, we are all equal, we are all performers. How will a colleague write to us asking us to brief him on the projects we are undertaking?” asked one CS.
President Kenyatta has now come out to defend his elevation of CS Matinag’i.
The President yesterday ordered ministers to cooperate with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and told anyone disgruntled with his elevation as ‘development czar’ to quit.
Uhuru reminded the 21 CSs that he alone is the appointing authority and he will not hesitate to crack the whip on those sabotaging his agenda.
A stern President told his CSs that their focus must be on delivering services, especially his Big Four agenda, and not 2022 succession politics.
The meeting yesterday was the first full Cabinet sitting since Uhuru made the radical changes nearly two weeks ago.
“He [Uhuru] was firm that the executive order remains in force. He made it clear those unwilling to comply have the option of resigning,” said a Source.
The President also told CSs that all ministerial appointments must be inclusive, and dishing out jobs based on ethnicity will not be tolerated.
During today’s Cabinet meeting I reminded our Cabinet Secretaries that there are many young Kenyans who are willing and ready to work if they felt they are not up to task. Those who’ve chosen to keep politicking instead of serving the people should be ready to give way. pic.twitter.com/usjsEbKmC2
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) January 31, 2019