Written By Lisa Murimi
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria criticized President William Ruto’s recent cabinet nominations, particularly those from the opposition’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Speaking at a burial in Makueni County on Friday, Kuria expressed doubts about the competence of Ruto’s new nominees.
Kuria acknowledged the accomplishments during his tenure but highlighted the challenges faced in government.
“Yesterday I saw people nominated to cabinet positions. It is a good thing. I will give you a manual on how you will start and complete,” Kuria commented, adding, “While in government, there are several things that we achieved, but there are also others that posed a big challenge.”
He questioned the ability of the new ministers to address critical issues facing Ruto’s administration, such as the country’s debt, the struggling hustler fund, and problems within the mining sector.
Kuria specifically pointed out that over 12 million people had taken the hustler fund and refused to repay, noting the difficulty his administration faced in resolving this issue. He doubted Wycliffe Oparanya’s ability to solve the problem.
Kuria also highlighted challenges in the coffee sector, where cooperatives had refused to pay farmers. “While in government, we tried to follow up on the matter but our efforts hit the rocks. Now I believe Oparanya will help us solve the problem,” he said sarcastically.
Kuria’s remarks come just three days after President Ruto announced a second batch of cabinet nominees, including opposition leaders John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Ali Hassan Joho (Mining), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Ministry of Cooperatives). Ruto’s decision to include ODM politicians aligns with his promise to form a broad-based, inclusive government.
