Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has criticised Azimio coalition’s handling of its oversight responsibilities regarding Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba during his recent appearance before Parliament.
Ruku pointed out that Azimio appeared to be overly supportive of the CS, suggesting that they were shielding him from legitimate scrutiny by MPs who were questioning Namwamba’s actions.
Ruku shared his thoughts during an interview with K24 on Wednesday, where he emphasized the importance of proper oversight.
He noted, “We expect Azimio to fulfill its oversight role, but the last time we witnessed Azimio offering significant support to Ababu Namwamba. It was us, the members of Kenya Kwanza, who were pointing out that Namwamba was mishandling matters within the ministry.”
Furthermore, Ruku revealed that Kenya Kwanza MPs were the ones urging President William Ruto to consider removing Namwamba from his position due to their concerns about his performance.
Ruku also criticized Azimio MPs for defending Namwamba by arguing that he had not been given enough time to make changes within his department.
According to Ruku, Azimio members claimed that the CS had only been in office for a short period, and criticism was premature. Ruku stated, “Azimio members were vociferously arguing that we should give the minister more time, asserting that he had only been in office for a brief period and that our concerns were premature.”
Ruku concluded by reiterating the commitment of Kenya Kwanza MPs to impartially carry out their oversight duties, emphasizing that they would do so without any bias or ill intentions. He reminded everyone that MPs have summoned ministers to answer questions before Parliament in the past and that they would continue to do so.
Ruku made it clear that when ministers are called to appear before Parliament, they should not expect any preferential treatment from Kenya Kwanza MPs.
He emphasized, “If you are incapable or not fulfilling your duties properly, we will recommend to the President that you be dismissed, and a new minister appointed.”
In closing, Ruku emphasized that Kenya Kwanza MPs have consistently held firm in their oversight role when dealing with all cabinet secretaries who have appeared before Parliament, and they will continue to fulfill this important responsibility on behalf of the government.
It’s worth noting that Ababu Namwamba appeared before Parliament on August 23 to respond to allegations of mismanagement of athletes’ affairs in his ministry.
He strongly denied the accusations, asserting that he had not extensively traveled at the expense of Kenyan athletes and was committed to his role in the sports ministry, indicating that he had no intentions of resigning.
