Kisii Governor Simba Arati has come to the defence of Trade CS Moses Kuria over his recent remarks in light of fuel prices that were deemed reckless.
Speaking on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for an industrial park at Tongeri in Bomachoge Borabu in Kisii which Kuria attended, Arati said the CS spoke the truth and the opposition will stand with truthful individuals in government.
"Naona ukipigwa, kuna maseneta wanapiga wewe (I see you are being fought, there are senators fighting you)," Arati said.
"Sisi ni watu wa opposition lakini tutasimama na mawaziri na rais kama wanafanya kitu mzuri (We are in opposition but we will stand with ministers and the President if they are doing a good job)," Arati added
"Kwa hivyo wewe kaa ngumu bwana, wakifukuza wewe pande ile kuja pande hii tutashirikiana tuone vile tutachukua serikali (So, be firm if they chase you on the other side come to this side we figure out how we will cooperate and take government)."
Following the hike of fuel prices by energy regulator Epra on September 14, Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale asked President William Ruto to sack Kuria, economic advisor David Ndii and Energy CS David Chirchir.
Super petrol hit Sh211.64, Diesel Sh200.99 and Kerosene Sh202.61 per litre in Nairobi.
The following day, Kuria told Kenyans to prepare for the situation to worsen in the coming months saying Global Crude Prices are on an upward trajectory.
"For planning purposes expect pump prices to go up by Sh10 every month till February," he said.
He followed it up with another post on social media platform X a day later saying petrol prices will be Sh260 per litre by February owing to global and climate change effects.
"Responsible leaders ought to tell the truth to prepare the people. You can throw stones at me all you want," he said.
The following day on September 17, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blasted the CS over the remarks saying "it is insensitive to talk down on the people".
Without mentioning them by name, Gachagua told off Kuria and Ndii reminding them to be sensitive and inspire hope in the people.
"You do not address your employer with arrogance. Do so with humility and decorum," he said after Ndii equally told Kenyans "we do what we think can work if it doesn't too bad".
But Arati said CS Kuria was on the right path as far as speaking the truth is concerned and should that lead to his sacking from the government, he should cross over to the opposition.
"Waambie ukweli na itabaki ukweli, especially huyo mtu wenyu wa shares tutasimama na wewe. You can be sure of this area's support, members of Parliament and even governors," he said.
Arati took a swipe at Gachagua for playing archaic politics that have lost touch with modern times in reference to government's move to withdraw the security detail of opposition politicians.
