Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries to fully support President William Ruto, emphasizing that loyalty to the president is non-negotiable.
“Loyalty to the head of state and government is not negotiable. You are now soldiers in an army that has only one general,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua was also quick to warn the recently sworn-in members of the broad-based government to avoid corruption at all costs.
“Today, you have been taken through the expectations of your roles, the macro-economic context in which we find ourselves, and the corruption pitfalls that you must avoid to guard against what the EACC describes as a cause for sleepless nights,” Gachagua told the cabinet.
Speaking after induction of the Cabinet at the National Defense University, Gachagua further urged the cabinet to be servant leaders and have an open-door policy.
“Don’t lock yourself up in your office – move around and find out what is really going on. Have an open-door policy that encourages full and frank input from those who serve under you,” he added.
He added that this will encourage diverse opinions and different ideas.
“We are oath and honor-bound, to only exercise that power in strict conformity with the Constitution, and to use that Power for the enduring benefit of the people,” Gachagua posed.
He also weighed in on the recent Gen-Z protests, adding that the clamor for better leadership in the country should not fall on deaf ears.
“This youthfulness presents immense opportunities to harness their energy, passion, and creativity; but it also comes with heightened pressures and greater expectations. The great task of our season in leadership is to initiate an industrial, agricultural, and digital age revolution that will create millions more jobs for, particularly the youth,” he noted.
Pushing for strict adherence to the Constitution, Gachagua urged the cabinet to desist from personal views as their declarations will now be considered as policy pronouncements.
“You are now also bound by collective responsibility, and no matter your personal views on a matter, once it is directed by the President or resolved in Cabinet, your duty is to jealousy, fiercely, and firmly defend it. You no longer have personal views or observations. Your words are policy pronouncements,” the DP added.
