Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow has expressed his view that the condescending tone displayed by leaders in the government has been adopted from President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
This observation comes in the wake of some leaders making arrogant statements to the public, particularly in response to the recent surge in fuel prices in the country.
Kerrow argued that these leaders seem to be following the example set by the President and his deputy, who have at times exhibited arrogance in public over the past year of their tenure.
During an appearance on Citizen TV‘s Daybreak show on Monday, Kerrow emphasized that leaders should refrain from disregarding the Kenyan electorate, as such behavior could lead to a decline in the economy and deter investors from engaging in the country.
“It has become the language of this government, starting from the President, the Deputy President, and, like father like son, they say, ‘So what the CSs [Cabinet Secretaries] are doing is what they see their bosses doing,’” he remarked.
He pointed to a “contemptuous attitude” that has been on display, starting from the President, who, during public rallies, has directly criticized investors by name and profiled individuals. Kerrow noted that this attitude has trickled down to various levels of leadership in the “Kenya Kwanza” movement.
Regarding the government’s approach to cushioning Kenyans against the global economic surge, including rising fuel prices, Kerrow called for the adoption of subsidies, which the government had previously vowed to eliminate. He emphasized that subsidies are utilized worldwide and are not a crime, citing the example of Europe, where substantial investments are made to reduce energy prices for the benefit of the people.
Recently, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and President William Ruto’s top economic advisor, David Ndii, have engaged with Kenyans who question the government’s decision to raise fuel prices.
CS Kuria faced criticism after suggesting that dissatisfied individuals should dig their own wells if they have complaints about fuel price hikes. Meanwhile, David Ndii expressed his distrust of politicians and the government, vowing to continue speaking candidly.
Deputy President Gachagua urged leaders to be cautious in their interactions with Kenyans, but his remarks were countered by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Sifuna, echoing Billow Kerrow’s sentiments, accused Gachagua of setting an example of condescension towards Kenyans through his previous statements.
