President William Ruto has admitted that several members of his team have displayed arrogance and has apologized on behalf of some.
During an X-spaces session on Friday, July 5, 2024, Ruto addressed concerns raised by netizens, acknowledging the inappropriate behaviour exhibited by some officials.
Ruto on Karen Nyamu
Ruto revealed that he had taken time to speak to Senator Karen Nyamu, who has faced criticism on multiple occasions for her actions which have raised public concern about her role as a nominated senator.
“I agree that some of our officials are arrogant, some of them display obnoxious opulence which angers the public. Sometimes I call some of those people and I give them a piece of my mind. Even Nyamu is a girl I have had to sit her down and tell her that she needs to change what she is doing,” Ruto stated.
The President noted that the issue stemmed from some leaders being young and prone to mistakes. He assured that while he might not be able to achieve a complete overhaul as desired by Kenyans, he would make some necessary changes.
“You know, these young people get excited about many things and sometimes do wrong things. I know what is going on, and I will make changes. I know you want a clean slate, but you do not have the job I have,” Ruto pointed out.
One speaker raised concerns about Finance Committee Chairman Kimani Kuria’s statement suggesting those unable to pay the proposed vehicle levy should keep their vehicles at home, and Kimani Ichung’wah’s comment about Gen Z coming for demonstrations with iPhones, using Uber, and eating at KFC.
Ruto apologized on behalf of Kuria, describing him as a leader with a bright future. He also explained that he had advised Ichung’wah on how to better address the public.
“The day you become a public speaker, you will understand how easy it is to make a mistake. The MP for Molo is a young man who is doing his very best. When I made him the chairman of the Finance Committee, many people told me he was young, but I wanted to mentor young people and test them. I apologize for him because they are among the people I am mentoring so that they can become leaders tomorrow. He is bright and has a bright future.
Ruto on Kimani Ichung’wah
“Regarding Kimani Ichung’wa, when he made the statement, I believe it was in Baringo. I called him and told him this is how to engage the public. If you followed his statements, he had made an about-face of some sort. I have a task to mentor, and they sometimes make mistakes and display some sort of arrogance because of their inexperience and understanding of things.
“They are members of my team, and I take some responsibility for them. I will correct them,” Ruto stated.