Political Ripples: Moses Kuria’s Response to Snub from Presidential Honors List
Summary:
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria expresses disappointment after being excluded from the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) award during Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations. Kuria hints at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s involvement in the omission, sharing a photo highlighting the role of the Office of the Deputy President in the selection process. Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna voices his dismay at being overlooked for the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) and criticizes President Ruto for the exclusion.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria has voiced his disappointment at not being included in the list of individuals honored during Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations. The frustration is apparent in Kuria’s reaction, which suggests a connection between his omission and the involvement of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
President William Ruto bestowed the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) award, the highest state honor in Kenya, upon nine Cabinet Secretaries during the event. Among the recipients were Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Environment CS Soipan Tuya, EAC CS Peninah Malonza, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, ICT CS Eliud Owalo, Water CS Zachariah Njeru, Trade CS Rebecca Miano, Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, and Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha.
Expressing his disappointment, Kuria shared a photograph on X, featuring a gazette notice of the State honorees. In a strategic move, he juxtaposed it with another image illustrating the involvement of the Office of the Deputy President in the selection process for individuals receiving national honors. The National and County Government Honours Advisory Committee, a crucial office under Deputy President Gachagua, became a focal point in Kuria’s reaction.
“We shall be there no matter what,” Kuria captioned the two photographs, indicating a determination to address the oversight. This public expression of discontent underscores the perceived role of political dynamics in the distribution of state honors.
In a parallel development, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also shared his disappointment on X, revealing that he was snubbed for the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), an award he had been nominated for. Sifuna, however, took a different approach by placing the blame on President Ruto for the exclusion.
“I respect Ruto’s decision denying me the national honors I had been nominated for. I always suspected the disdain was mutual. I thank Parliament for the nomination though. And to all those who made it to the list, congratulations! Happy Jamhuri Day,” stated Sifuna in his post, acknowledging the parliamentary nomination but expressing disappointment at the presidential decision.
The contrasting responses from Kuria and Sifuna shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding state honors and political relationships within the government.
