“I Am Not Bitter”—Former CS Chelugui Speaks Out, Faults Ruto Govt for Slowing Down on Promises
Former Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has finally broken his silence after being dismissed from President William Ruto’s cabinet in July 2024. Speaking candidly during a Monday evening interview on TV47, Chelugui shared his thoughts on the dismissal, the Finance Bill protests, and the current state of government delivery.
“I Hold No Bitterness”—Chelugui Reflects on His Exit
Chelugui began by clarifying his feelings toward President Ruto’s decision to let him go.
“I hold no bitterness with the President,” Chelugui said. “I occasionally interact and engage with him,” he added.
“We had a finance bill aimed at raising revenue,” he explained. “But the youth spoke. They rejected taxation on internet-related activities,” he noted.
“It Was Time to Step Back”—Chelugui Accepts Cabinet Exit
Despite serving under both Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, Chelugui said he understood the need for change.
“I was the longest-serving secretary in the cabinet,” he stated. “It was right for me to step back and allow others to serve,” he added.
However, he made it clear that stepping aside did not mean he was politically irrelevant.
“That does not mean I am in the cold,” Chelugui affirmed.
“The Plan Was Ambitious, But Action Is Lacking”—Chelugui Criticizes Delivery
“There is a difference between a plan and action,” he said. “The plan was very ambitious,” he added.
President William Ruto during the opening of the 2025 Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Park on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
He noted that initial programmes were rolled out quickly, but momentum has since faded.
“At the beginning, things moved fast,” Chelugui observed. “Now, the speed has become normal,” he lamented.
“We Missed the People”—Chelugui Urges Better Engagement
Chelugui stressed the importance of staying connected to citizens after making promises.
“What we missed was going back to the people,” he said. “We should have run the course together,” he added.
His remarks have sparked renewed debate about the government’s responsiveness and accountability.
As Kenyans continue to demand results, Chelugui’s words serve as both a warning and a reminder of the promises made.
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“I Am Not Bitter”—Former CS Chelugui Speaks Out, Faults Ruto Govt for Slowing Down on Promises
