Kenyans are politically overrepresented, says Ekuru Aukot

Thirdway Alliance Party Leader Ekuru Aukot has criticised the current state of government appointments, claiming that leaders overrepresent Kenyans. 

His sentiments come in response to several State appointments actioned by President William Ruto.

Speaking on Spice FM on Thursday, August 29, Aukot argued that a significant portion of taxpayers' money is being wasted on recurrent expenditures rather than being directed towards development.

The politician questioned President Ruto’s recent Cabinet reshuffle, expressing concern over the rehiring of some Cabinet Secretaries. 

“The government has become a business over the years, and there is a capture of the State by a few individuals who have become fixtures in our public institutions,” Aukot stated. 

“Look at the people he appointed to the Cabinet from the opposition; they have been governors for at least 10 years and have already had opportunities to serve Kenyans.”

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The Thirdway Alliance leader claimed that the Cabinet reshuffle was driven by political expediency, asserting that excessive representation comes at a high cost. 

He further argued that the president should have adhered to the Constitution and provided clear explanations for the firing and rehiring of each Cabinet Secretary.

Aukot also criticised the vetting process conducted by Parliament for the state-appointed nominees, saying, “Parliament in Kenya today is an extension of the executive. Its capture has prevented it from properly scrutinizing the suitability of individuals appointed to public office.”

He added that Parliament failed to adequately question the reappointed nominees about their sources of wealth. 

“During the recent vetting of some appointees, the Speaker failed to interrogate them, even as Kenya faces an economic meltdown. How did you make Sh150 million in two years? The coffers are empty, the economy is struggling, we are borrowing globally, yet you amassed such wealth,” Aukot challenged.

Aukot noted that Kenyans have always expected their elected leaders to transform society, but instead, they have engaged in corruption. “I have read the auditor's report—there is theft in all 47 counties. Instead, you see people being awarded appointments; they come into public office to steal more from us,” he said.

He argued that rather than rewarding leaders due to political expediency and poor governance, efforts should focus on reducing the cost of governance and redirecting resources from representation to service delivery.