In the wake of the sombre burial of General Francis Omondi Ogolla (the first Kenyan Chief of Defence Forces to pass away in office) in Ng'iya on Sunday, President William Ruto's unexpected and disconcerting rhetoric resounded across the nation.Amidst the grieving atmosphere, Ruto brazenly declared, "There's no government position that is reserved for any community, any ethnicity, any religion." However, the facts on the ground paint a starkly different picture, exposing the entrenched tribalism and cronyism within Ruto's administration.
The appointments made by Ruto have ignited a firestorm of criticism, with accusations of ethnic favouritism and political patronage running rampant. The nomination of Mary Wanyonyi, wife of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati, to lead the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), is emblematic of Ruto's nepotistic tendencies. Martha Karua, former presidential running mate, aptly characterised the appointment as a blatant reward for political allegiance rather than merit.
But it gets worse. Ruto's track record is littered with similar instances of tribal favouritism, exemplified by the appointment of Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, daughter of the selfsame Chebukati, as Cabinet Secretary for Health. Her underwhelming performance and mishandling of critical issues, such as the ongoing doctors' strike, have only intensified public outcry for her removal.
The gravity of Ruto's tribal appointments cannot be overstated. Bishops from the Anglican Church, led by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, have decried the glaring tribalism and cronyism, warning of its divisive implications for national unity. “There is glaring tribalism and cronyism in public appointments," said Sapit. "This inequality is not acceptable."
Such practices directly contravene Article 10 of the Kenyan Constitution, which advocates for inclusiveness, equality, and ethnic diversity in government appointments.
Despite mounting criticism, Ruto and his allies remain defiant, unabashedly justifying their tribal appointments as a form of political reward.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua came under heavy fire when he shamelessly equated the Kenya Kwanza government to a privately held company, where only loyal supporters ("shareholders", he called them) are entitled to positions of power and influence and the windfall and rewards of government. Such rhetoric not only perpetuates tribal divisions but also undermines the fundamental principles of democracy and meritocracy.
Moreover, an analysis of key appointments under Ruto's tenure reveals a disturbing pattern of tribal consolidation at the expense of national cohesion. The dominance of the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities in top government positions underscores Ruto's systematic marginalisation of other ethnic groups. The exclusion of nine ethnic communities from employment in government altogether further underscores the entrenched nepotism within Ruto's administration.
In the face of mounting evidence, Ruto's platitudinous promises of unity and inclusivity ring hollow. His duplicitous behaviour, exemplified by lies uttered even in the solemnity of a funeral, exposes a leader more concerned with consolidating power than serving the interests of Kenyans. This flagrant disregard for constitutional principles and the erosion of public trust demand urgent condemnation from all quarters.
As Kenya grapples with the spectre of tribalism, it is imperative for citizens to hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in government appointments. Ruto's reign of tribal patronage must be met with resolute opposition, lest the fabric of Kenyan society be torn asunder by the divisive forces of ethnic politics. Only through concerted efforts to uphold the principles of democracy and equality can Kenya truly realise its potential as a united and prosperous nation.
This scathing indictment of Ruto's tribal nepotism aims to shed light on the corrosive effects of ethnic favouritism in Kenyan politics and galvanise public action against such insidious practices. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the choice between tribalism and unity has never been starker. It is incumbent upon all Kenyans to reject the politics of division and embrace the ideals of inclusivity, diversity, and shared prosperity.
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ADDENDUM
Today at Ng'iya village, Ruto said that there is no government position that is reserved for any community, any ethnicity, or any religion. Now, let us look at Ruto's appointments so far..and these are just the Kalenjins:
1. Head of Civil Service - Felix Kosgei
2. Kengen CEO – Abraham Serem
3. Kenya Power CEO – Joseph Siror
4. Kenya Pipeline CEO - Joe Sang
5. Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Agency CEO – Daniel Kiptoo
6. Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority Director General - James Keter
7. KETRACO Company Secretary – Lydia Sitienei
8. Kenya Ports Authority CEO– William Ruto
9. KEMRI CEO – Elijah Songok
10. New KCC CEO – Nixon Sigey
11. NSSF CEO– David Koros
12. NCPB CEO – John Ngetich
13. Agriculture and Food Authority Chair - Cornelly Serem
14. Kenya Seed Company CEO - Sammy Kiplagat
15. Nyayo Tea Zones CEO - Peter Korir
16. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization CEO - Eliud K. Kireger
17. Kenya Meat Commission, Chair – Joseph Kiptoo
18. Kenya Dairy Board CEO - Margaret Kibogy
19. Kenya Animal Genetics Resource Centre CEO - David Kios
20. Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Chair - Mr. Richard Cheruiyot
21. Kenya National Accreditation Services CEO - Martin Chesire
22. Special Economic Zones Authority CEO – Kenneth Chelule
23. Insurance Regulatory Authority CEO - Godfrey Kiptum
24. Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation CEO - Hellen Chepchumba Chepkwony
25. Privatization Commission CEO – Joseph Koskey
26. Director General of Immigration - Evelyn Cheluget
27. Kenya Space Agency, CEO -Hillary Kipkosgey
28. Kenya Post Office Savings Bank Chair - Sarah Serem
29. Kenya Water Towers Agency, CEO –Julius Tanui
30. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) CEO – Joshua Cheboiywo
31. Tourism Regulatory Authority, CEO – Norbert Talam
32. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO - John Chirchir
33. North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency CEO- Edwin Cheruiyot Rotich
34. National Employment Authority Chair – Vincent Kigen
35. Kenya Pipeline Chair - Faith Boinnet
36. kenya Ports Authority Chair - Caleb Kositany
37. Chemilil Sugar CEO - Kiptoo Kiplum
38. Nzoia Sugar MD - Ezron Kotut
39. NPS Service Commission CEO- Peter Kiptanui
40. GSU Commandant - Eliud Lagat
41. Kenya Copyright Board CEO - Edward Sigei
42. NCIC Director General - Philomena Kapkory
43. Registrar of companies CEO - Joyce Koech
44. Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry President - Dr. Eric Ruto
45. National Council of People with disabilities Chair - Elizabeth Chesang
46. Director General of Public Investments and Portfolio Management - Lawrence Kibet
47. Registrar of companies - Joyce Koech
48. Chemilil Sugar CEO - Kiptoo Kiplum
49. Kenya Tourism Board CEO - Julius Chirchir
50. Water Sector Trust Fund Chair - Eric Ruto
51. KCB CEO - Annastacia Kimutai
52. NPS Service Commission CEO - Peter Kiptanui
53. CBK Deputy Governor- Susan Koech
54. KPCU Chairman- Daniel Chemno
55. Rivatex (MD) - Thomas Kipkurgat
56. KVDA Chairman - Mark Chesergon
57. Kenya Investment Authority MD - June Chepkemei
58. Director General Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) DG- Philomena Kandie
59. Tea Board of Kenya CEO - Willy K. Mutai
60. Kenya Water Tower Agency CEO - Prof Julius Tanui
61. Huduma Centres CEO - Benjamin Chilumo
62. KMTC Chairman- Joseph Cheruiyot
63. SRC Chair - Cherop Mengitch
64. Data Protection Commissioner - Immaculate Kasait
65. KAGRIC CEO - Bernadette Misoi
66. Kenya Airports Authority Chairman - Caleb Kositany
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