Kindiki, Mudavadi slam Muheria's 'advertising agency' remarks, defend govt publicity

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria’s remarks on President William Ruto’s administration have left some government officials uneasy.  

On Friday, February 21, the Archbishop called on the government to focus on delivering unfulfilled promises rather than turning it into an advertising agency.  

Speaking to the press at Consolata Mathari Hospital, Muheria criticised the government for prioritizing talk over tangible action.  

"There has to be less rhetoric. We have to stop advertising what you will do. Act! The government is not an advertising agency. It is an agency that implements actions, that’s what we want to see," he said.  

He further added, "We want a government that follows rules and systems, not one that puts all its machinery into advertising. How I wish we could shelve all these insults, noise, and demeaning statements and begin to appreciate one another."  

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In response, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the government, emphasising the importance of keeping the public informed about ongoing projects and policies.   

"Every Kenyan has a right to information and the Constitution requires that the government must inform the people of intended programs and projects, and therefore it is our duty to inform the country when those activities are being implemented and after they have been implemented," said Kindiki.

Echoing Kindiki's remarks, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi explained: "The government's role involves public participation. Some don't want us to do so. It's not possible. According to the Constitution, there's a must we engage in public participation and inform people of what is being done."  

"Hence, calling the government an advertising agency is misleading Kenyans. It is the government's responsibility to talk to its citizens," he added.  

Wetangula and Mudavadi hit back at Archbishop Anthony Muheria over government advertisement remarks pic.twitter.com/goki0kxUpJ — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) February 21, 2025

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula also weighing in, urged President Ruto to continue publicizing government initiatives, arguing that transparency is a constitutional requirement.  

"When you say that the government is not an advertising agent, it means that you have not read the 2010 Constitution. Because it says the centrality of this Constitution is the people of Kenya. They must know and participate in everything we do. Therefore, as a government, we have a duty to continue broadcasting whatever we do for all Kenyans to know," said Wetang'ula.  

However, Muheria maintains that too much talk without action is pointless.