Activist: Kagwe’s COVID-19 Policies Hurt Millions, Not Fit for Agriculture Ministry
Nairobi—Joseph Aura, an activist, has filed an objection to Mutahi Kagwe’s nomination as Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock. Through his advocate Harrison Kinyanjui, Aura submitted an affidavit to the National Assembly Clerk questioning Kagwe’s suitability due to his controversial tenure as Health CS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lockdowns and Alleged Mismanagement
Aura accused Kagwe of implementing harsh COVID-19 policies\ that devastated livelihoods while sparing the elite.
“He oversaw the implementation of policies such as senseless lockdowns, social distancing and wearing of masks during his watch at the Ministry of Health, which irrationally decimated the incomes of millions of Kenyans while establishments connected with the rich were neither shut down nor subjected to similar policies,” Aura stated.
The affidavit also pointed to an alleged loss of over KSh 7 billion during Kagwe’s term at the Ministry of Health.
“Section 10(e) of the Public Officers Ethics Act states that public officers must be accountable for their actions. Kagwe has not been held to account for recorded corruption in the Ministry of Health under his watch,” Aura claimed.
Political Influence or Merit?
Aura further alleged Kagwe’s nomination stemmed from political expediency rather than merit. He attributed the appointment to a secretive meeting between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto.
Section 10(e) of the Public Officers Ethics Act states that “a Public Officer shall be accountable for his or her administrative acts”. The subject nominee has to date never been held to account for the recorded corruption that took place in the Ministry of Health under his watch and that resulted in the loss of no less than KSh 7 billion”,the affidavit reads in part.
Questioning Kagwe’s Credentials
“He is a politician, not a technocrat or agriculturalist. Kagwe lacks the technical expertise to steer the Agriculture Ministry effectively,” the affidavit stated.
Additionally, Aura accused Kagwe of unpatriotic actions, alleging secret agreements with major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson during his tenure at Health.
Kagwe’s Upcoming Vetting
Kagwe is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Appointments, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, on January 14, 2025.
Ruto Defends Inclusivity
The controversy follows a recent meeting between Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta. Ruto defended the meeting, stating it aimed to foster inclusivity.
“We seek to create a government that unites all for national progress,” Ruto said in Wajir County on December 10.
The vetting process will reveal whether Kagwe’s past controversies will cost him the Agriculture docket.
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Activist: Kagwe’s COVID-19 Policies Hurt Millions, Not Fit for Agriculture Ministry
