By Peter Ochieng
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has called out two Cabinet Secretaries for engaging in politics at the expense of serving Kenyans.
In a strong worded statement on Wednesday, the former Kakamega Senator said Cabinet Secretaries were appointed by President William Ruto to serve Kenyans, not to engage in politicking.
On his return from the visit to China, Malala singled out Public Service CS Moses Kuria, and his Roads and Transport counterpart Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen for involving themselves in politics against the law, which requires them to remain apolitical.
Malala urged them to resign and join politics, adding that it is impossible for them to politic and effectively serve Kenyans at the same time.
“Moses Kuria, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action, your primary responsibility is to serve the people within your docket. Should you wish to engage in politics, you are welcome to resign and join the political arena,” said Malala.
“Similarly, Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, your focus should be on addressing the pressing issues in your ministry, particularly the reclamation of roads damaged by recent floods. Serve the Kenyan people or step down from your position and return to politics,” he added.
Before being appointed by Ruto after the 2022 general elections, Murkomen was the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator while Kuria had just lost the Kiambu county gubernatorial contest to Paul Kimani Wamatangi.
Moses Kuria has in some quarters been accused of being among politicians trying to undermine Deputy President Rigathi Gahagua in Central, possibly through his public utterances and social media posts.
Speaking mid this month, the CS said he deserves respect since he is one of the senior-most politicians in Kiambu county and Central region, for that matter.
“I am the only minister in Kiambu County. We have seen many people think that they are so big that they can disrespect me to the point that meetings are held without my knowledge. I should be respected. I have come in peace but if you want conflict then it will be in equal measure. Hence, I don’t want people to continue disrespecting me. I am still the senior most politician in Kiambu County and I don’t want to be annoyed.”
On the other hand, Murkomen is said to be crafting a strategy of becoming the next Rift Valley political kingpin, once President Ruto exits from the political scene, probably after serving his second term in 2032.