President William Ruto has once again been caught making contradictory statements, this time concerning the fate of Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.
According to the latest reports, Ruto assured Luhya leaders that Barasa would remain in her position, only to turn around and reshuffle her to the Ministry of Environment. This move has raised questions about the president’s reliability and the credibility of his promises.
As reported by Thursday’s People’s Daily, Ruto held a meeting at State House with Luhya leaders, where he dismissed speculation about Barasa’s removal. He assured them that she was a hardworking and reliable Cabinet Secretary, adding that he had full confidence in her leadership at the Health Ministry.
His exact words were that the reports of her removal were “hearsay and rumours” and that no one should be worried about her position. However, just hours later, the president announced a cabinet reshuffle, moving Barasa to the Ministry of Environment and appointing Aden Duale as the new Health Cabinet Secretary.
This sudden change of stance has left many questioning the president’s decision-making process and whether he can be trusted to keep his word.
The Luhya leaders who had been assured of Barasa’s security at the Health Ministry are now left feeling deceived. Some political observers believe this is yet another example of how Ruto manipulates political allies to serve his interests without honoring his commitments.
The reshuffle itself has also sparked debate over Ruto’s handling of key ministries. Health is one of the most critical sectors in the country, and the appointment of Duale, who has no known expertise in health matters, has raised concerns.
Some Kenyans feel that the move was politically motivated rather than based on competence. Meanwhile, Barasa’s transfer to the Environment docket is seen by some as a demotion, given that the Health Ministry holds more influence and budgetary allocation.
This incident adds to the growing list of instances where Ruto has failed to keep his word. His administration has been marked by shifting alliances and policy changes that leave even his closest allies uncertain about their standing.
Whether this pattern continues remains to be seen, but for now, the Luhya leaders who believed his assurances are left questioning their trust in him.
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