Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has issued a stern rebuke to Cabinet Secretaries who continue to wade into political debates despite their constitutional mandate to remain neutral and focused on governance.
In a statement, the outspoken Senator stressed that politics should end the moment Cabinet Secretaries take the oath of office. He faulted some CSs for prioritising political rhetoric over policy direction, undermining their duty to deliver on national development.
“Cabinet Secretaries, politics ends when you take office. Look at the UAE: a desert building a nation, while we politic 24/7. How do you expect Kenyans to survive the future? Cut it out,” Ledama remarked, drawing comparisons between Kenya’s divisive political climate and the United Arab Emirates’ development-oriented governance.
His comments came shortly after Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stirred debate during a public address in Garissa. Duale had asserted that the era of communities claiming superiority over others had ended with the adoption of the 2010 Constitution and devolution.
“The days of entitlement that one community is more important than any other community are gone after the new constitution,” Duale declared.
Former Cabinet Secretary and Economic Adviser to the President, Moses Kuria, also weighed in, cautioning against sweeping generalisations that portray entire communities as ethnically arrogant.
“In the recent past, I have listened to a number of leaders allege that there is a community that thinks it is more superior than others. Some of us have unapologetically said no to returning this country to the politics of negative ethnicity,” Kuria said.
He emphasised that grievances should be addressed at an individual level rather than collectively attributing them to an entire ethnic group. “If you have a problem with any individual from the Mt Kenya community, do not take it out against an entire people,” he added.
Kuria further warned that divisive rhetoric risks pushing the country toward instability, urging leaders to promote unity instead of fanning ethnic tensions.
Ledama’s call underscores a growing concern over the politicisation of the Cabinet, with critics insisting that ministers should channel their energy into policy implementation and national cohesion rather than partisan debates.
