The recent appointment of new Cabinet members by President William Ruto has drawn a range of reactions, with Bishop Cleophas Oseso of the Nakuru Catholic Diocese leading the charge of criticism. Oseso described the appointments as “cosmetic” and warned that they might incite fresh demonstrations if the President continues to recycle previously rejected figures.
In a press conference held two days after the President announced the first phase of the Cabinet appointments, Oseso expressed disappointment, stating that the new list of appointees did not align with public expectations. “The new list of Cabinet appointees does not meet the public expectations, and we hope that Parliament will do their part during the vetting process,” he said.
The Bishop also criticized the President’s proposal to form a government of national unity with the opposition, arguing that such a move would undermine democratic principles. “This proposal to include the opposition in the government seems to be aimed at weakening the opposition, which goes against the spirit of our constitution. A country needs a strong, vocal opposition to keep the government in check,” Oseso asserted.
Addressing the press in Kinungi, Naivasha, where he was distributing food and clothes to the elderly, Oseso emphasized that while the church supports peaceful demonstrations led by Gen-Z activists, it condemns the excessive use of force by police and the subsequent destruction and looting by demonstrators. “We call for peaceful demonstrations and urge the community to remember the elderly who have been neglected and are suffering due to poverty,” he added.
In a related event, Jude Otogo from Ethel Foundation highlighted their organization’s efforts to support the elderly through nutrition, health checks, and advocacy. “We are working in five counties to assist elderly individuals who have been abused, violated, and neglected,” Otogo stated.
Hellen Kuria from Kenya Community Development echoed similar concerns about the neglect of the elderly, citing it as a significant challenge. One of the beneficiaries, Margaret Wambui, expressed her gratitude, calling the support a much-needed blessing. “We thank the church and donors who have come to our rescue during these hard times when many elderly people feel forgotten and burdened,” she said.
The mixed reactions to the Cabinet appointments and the ongoing support for the elderly reflect the complex and evolving socio-political landscape in Kenya, as the country navigates both political and social challenges.
