Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu has criticized former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for being biased in government appointments.
Speaking in an interview on Citizen TV, Nyutu questioned Raila’s choices, arguing that they do not reflect national inclusivity.
He pointed out that out of the five Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) appointed under Raila’s influence, three of them Ali Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, and Wycliffe Oparanya are close allies of the ODM leader.
Nyutu challenged the coincidence of Raila picking individuals who were key leaders in ODM, rather than selecting professionals from different backgrounds.
He accused Raila of hypocrisy, suggesting that he prioritizes loyalty over competence when given the opportunity to nominate individuals for top government positions.
According to Nyutu, this approach contradicts Raila’s image as a national leader who claims to fight for fairness and inclusivity in governance.
The senator particularly questioned Joho’s qualifications, implying that his appointment was not based on expertise.
He argued that there is a clear difference between economics and accounting, adding that John Mbadi, for instance, is only an accountant. This, according to Nyutu, raises concerns about whether Raila was truly considering merit when making his selections.
He further asked why all four positions were handed to ODM leaders instead of professionals from different backgrounds or regions.
Nyutu’s remarks reflect a growing debate over political favoritism in government appointments. Critics argue that when opposition figures are given a chance to contribute to governance, they should prioritize national interest rather than rewarding their inner circles.
The senator’s comments suggest that Raila had the opportunity to demonstrate inclusivity but instead used it to strengthen his political influence by appointing his close allies.
Supporters of Raila, however, may defend the appointments by arguing that loyalty and experience in political leadership are also important factors.
They might point out that many government appointments across different regimes have followed a similar pattern, where leaders prefer individuals they trust.
However, Nyutu’s concerns highlight a broader issue in Kenyan politics, where appointments are often viewed through the lens of party loyalty rather than national representation.
The issue of inclusivity in government has been a long-standing debate in Kenya, with different leaders being accused of favoring their political allies when making appointments.
Nyutu’s criticism of Raila adds to the discussion on whether leaders truly embrace national unity or use government positions to consolidate their power. His remarks suggest that Raila, despite being seen as a symbol of democracy and fairness, may not be any different from other politicians when it comes to making appointments that benefit his inner circle.
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