Why President Ruto Should Have Fired Musalia Mudavadi to Regain Public Trust

In a dramatic and sweeping move, President William Ruto dismissed all his Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General, citing the need to address public dissatisfaction and restore trust in his administration.

However, he spared Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, leaving many Kenyans questioning the sincerity and completeness of his actions.

If President Ruto truly aims to regain public trust, he should have included Mudavadi in the mass dismissal.

Incomplete Accountability

The public’s perception of the government’s effectiveness and integrity is paramount.

By firing all cabinet secretaries except for Musalia Mudavadi and the Foreign Affairs minister, President Ruto’s gesture appears half-hearted.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary holds a significant role in coordinating government operations and ensuring the implementation of policies across various ministries.

Mudavadi’s retention amidst a broader purge undermines the message of accountability and thorough reform that President Ruto intends to convey.

Mudavadi’s Role in the Administration

Musalia Mudavadi, as the head of all cabinet secretaries, plays a crucial role in shaping and executing government policy. His position makes him inherently responsible for the performance of the entire cabinet.

If the cabinet is deemed corrupt and incompetent, as implied by their mass dismissal, the leader coordinating their activities cannot be exonerated.

By sparing Mudavadi, Ruto inadvertently suggests a double standard in accountability, weakening the resolve to root out inefficiency and corruption.

Public Perception and Trust

Trust in leadership is built on consistency and fairness. President Ruto has justified the firings by stating that he listened to what Kenyans wanted.

Surveys and public opinion have shown widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.

According to a recent poll by Infotrak, over 70% of Kenyans feel that the country is on the wrong track, largely due to economic mismanagement and perceived corruption.

Sparing Mudavadi while dismissing his colleagues does not align with the public’s demand for comprehensive and impartial reform.

Setting a Precedent for Reform

A thorough house-cleaning, including high-ranking officials like Mudavadi, would set a powerful precedent for genuine reform.

It would signal that no one is above accountability and that the government is serious about addressing corruption and inefficiency at all levels.

This move would not only resonate with the public’s desire for transparency but also encourage a culture of integrity within the government.

Missed Opportunity for Unity

President Ruto’s decision to retain Mudavadi could be seen as a political maneuver rather than a genuine attempt at reform. In times of crisis, bold and unequivocal actions are necessary to unify the nation and restore faith in its institutions.

By firing Mudavadi, Ruto could have demonstrated a commitment to fairness and equality, reinforcing his message of renewal and change.

Conclusion

President Ruto’s decision to dismiss his entire cabinet, except for Musalia Mudavadi and the Foreign Affairs minister, falls short of the comprehensive reform needed to restore public trust.

Mudavadi, as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, shares responsibility for the cabinet’s performance and should have been held accountable.

To genuinely address the public’s concerns and set Kenya on a path to effective governance, President Ruto should have included Mudavadi in the dismissals.

Only through complete and unbiased actions can the administration hope to regain the confidence of the Kenyan people and pave the way for a brighter future.