President Ruto’s CSs Face Public Backlash Over High Cost of Living
Summary:
Cabinet Secretaries under President William Ruto’s administration are encountering vehement opposition from the public as they attempt to justify the president’s policies amidst a worsening economic situation. High-ranking officials like Public Service CS Moses Kuria and EAC and Asals CS Peninah Malonza have faced hostile crowds, with citizens expressing discontent over the escalating cost of living. The mounting frustration is not confined to specific regions, as witnessed in Kirigiti stadium in Kiambu, Kitui, Sotik in Bomet, and Kabarnet in Baringo.
In recent events, Cabinet Secretaries in President Ruto’s government have found themselves at odds with disgruntled citizens, confronting public anger over the soaring cost of living. Public Service CS Moses Kuria, who addressed a crowd at Kirigiti stadium in Kiambu, faced heckling, with locals expressing a perception of neglect in the Mount Kenya region and dissatisfaction with the economic situation.
EAC and Asals CS Peninah Malonza encountered a similar fate during a funeral in her Kitui backyard, where mourners rejected her assertion that the economy was improving. Despite her plea for time to finish her speech, the crowd continued to voice disapproval, emphasizing their frustration with the high cost of living. Malonza defended President Ruto’s efforts, citing his awareness of the challenges and commitment to addressing them.
The high cost of power and fuel also triggered public discontent, evident when Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir was heckled off the stage during a presidential function in Sotik, Bomet. The audience’s refusal to let him speak highlighted the depth of dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of economic issues.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen faced a disruptive crowd during a football match he sponsored in Kabarnet, Baringo county, where chants of “Ruto must go” resonated. A subsequent attempt to explain the incident suggested that the anger was directed at an official named Ruto rather than expressing discontent with the government.
Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter interpreted the public’s hostility towards government officials as a clear sign that citizens are no longer willing to tolerate the escalating cost of living. The dissatisfaction, transcending regional boundaries, reflects a unified sentiment of frustration and discontent among the people.
