MP James Gakuya Defends New Cabinet Secretaries Amidst Public Criticism- “You Can’t Expect Free Work, Eating is a must”
James Gakuya, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi North Constituency, has dismissed the criticisms from some Kenyans regarding the new Cabinet Secretaries sworn in on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Gakuya’s take
On Friday, August 9, 2024, in an interview broadcasted on K24 TV, Gakuya emphasized that the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries should receive compensation because their roles come with salaries.
Gakuya contends that Cabinet Secretary roles are designated for individuals, particularly qualified Kenyans, who meet the nomination criteria.
“You cannot expect NGOs to come and fill these positions. These positions (CS) are for human beings, and more so those Kenyan citizens who qualify to be nominated. The powers to nominate lie under one appointing authority, because it is the prerogative of the president to appoint such a cabinet, but he has no mandatory power to give them a job because it is subject to that process of vetting,” Gakuya stated.
He criticized Kenyans who have been voicing opposition to the new Cabinet Secretaries appointed by President William Ruto and officially sworn in.
Gakuya asserts that the Cabinet Secretaries must be compensated, as they cannot serve without pay.
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“In this case, I would like to tell Kenyans who feel like the appointment of this cabinet is just for the purpose of eating, eating is a must. Because these are salaried positions, and you cannot expect a CS to do a free job. It is a job you earn a million or so,” Gakuya said.
Ruto’s CS appointments
Criticism has erupted among Kenyans regarding the selection of some of President Ruto’s Cabinet Secretaries, with many alleging that these appointees were chosen for their gain.
The public backlash intensified when President Ruto revealed that six members of the former cabinet would be part of the initial appointments, sparking outrage among citizens.
Further discontent arose when President Ruto announced additional appointments from his former cabinet and four individuals affiliated with the opposition’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
CS appointments challenged
Ruto’s Cabinet Secretary appointments are currently facing legal challenges.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has initiated a legal action aiming to annul the appointments of all 19 Cabinet Secretaries.
KHRC, supported by Wanjiru Gikonyo through an affidavit by Davis Malombe, contends that the vetting process did not adequately address integrity issues and fell short in terms of public involvement, among other concerns.
MP James Gakuya Defends New Cabinet Secretaries Amidst Public Criticism- “You Can’t Expect Free Work, Eating is a must”
