Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has sparked controversy with a bold call for President William Ruto to retire senior government officials aged 60 and above. In a candid statement on Saturday, July 6, 2024, Amisi identified key figures, including prominent Cabinet Secretaries and parliamentary leaders, whom he believes should step down immediately.
Amisi, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), named Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, aged 63, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, aged 67, among those who should cease their duties effective immediately. He emphasized that age should no longer be a criterion for continued service in high-level government positions.
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The MP's social media post did not spare Cabinet Secretaries such as Njuguna Ndung'u (64), Education CS Ezekiel Machogu (68), Energy CS Davis Chirchir (63), and Lands CS Alice Wahome (65). Amisi insisted that their retirement should pave the way for a comprehensive rejuvenation of Kenya's leadership landscape.
Amisi argued passionately that experience in public service should not grant an automatic extension of tenure, but rather, should be scrutinized for its cost-effectiveness. He underscored the need for a fresh start in governance, describing it as essential for Kenya's revitalization.
President Ruto's response to Amisi's proposal remains uncertain. The call comes amidst mounting pressure on the government to address issues of efficiency, accountability, and generational change in leadership. Critics and supporters alike await Ruto's decision on whether to heed Amisi's call for a sweeping reshuffle.
The MP's bold stance reflects broader sentiments within the political arena regarding the need for a transformative shift in leadership. With Kenya facing numerous socio-economic challenges, including public dissatisfaction and calls for reform, the debate over leadership renewal has taken center stage.
As the nation awaits developments, the implications of Amisi's proposal are significant. It raises fundamental questions about the criteria for holding public office and the balance between experience and the need for fresh perspectives in governance.
The outcome could reshape Kenya's political landscape and set a precedent for leadership transitions in the public sector. The call for change reverberates across the country, signaling potential shifts in how Kenya's government addresses its pressing challenges.