Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a warning to both leaders and civil servants, cautioning them against making haughty remarks when addressing the public. In a statement released on Sunday, DP Gachagua expressed his concern about the disrespectful tone with which public servants have engaged with Kenyans in light of the recent surge in oil prices, which has caused significant public outcry in recent days.
He urged leaders to exercise prudence and sensitivity when communicating with Kenyan citizens, emphasizing that it is inappropriate to speak condescendingly to the people. Gachagua also pointed out that the comments made by these leaders do not represent the official stance of President Ruto’s government but are instead their personal opinions.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he reminded them that they owe their positions to the people of Kenya, who elected H.E. President William Ruto, subsequently appointing them as Cabinet Secretaries and Advisors. Therefore, they are effectively employed by the Kenyan public, and addressing one’s employer with arrogance is not appropriate. He urged them to communicate with humility and decorum, especially considering the challenging economic circumstances faced by Kenyans and the rest of the world.
Gachagua further encouraged leaders to follow President Ruto’s advice on serving with humility and embracing servant leadership. He stressed that responsible leaders should be sensitive and provide hope to the people, particularly during difficult times, rather than belittling them or demoralizing those who look up to them for solutions.
He concluded by appealing to leaders not to antagonize the people of Kenya and asked Kenyans to exercise patience while the government implements necessary but uncomfortable adjustments due to the global impact on fuel prices. He assured the public that the government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the nation’s economic challenges.
Recently, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and President William Ruto’s top economic advisor David Ndii have faced criticism for their engagement with the public concerning the government’s decision to raise fuel prices. Kuria was caught on video suggesting that dissatisfied Kenyans should dig their own wells if they have issues with fuel prices. Meanwhile, David Ndii made provocative remarks, expressing his distrust of politicians and the government, and asserting that he would not censor his speech to conform to certain standards.
These comments by Kuria and Ndii have sparked criticism from Kenyan figures like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who have called for their dismissal.
The cost of fuel in Kenya reached a historic high, with Super Petrol prices exceeding 200 Kenyan Shillings for the first time. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced significant price increases, with Super Petrol rising by Ksh.16.96, Diesel by Ksh.21.32, and Kerosene by Ksh.33.13 per liter. In Nairobi, Super Petrol now sells for Ksh211.64 per liter, Diesel for Ksh.201, and Kerosene for Ksh.202.13.