Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has urged President William Ruto to examine his advisors and cabinet secretaries and take appropriate action that will enable him to run the country to the satisfaction of Kenyans.
In a video seen by the Star, the former governor said some of his advisers could have failed him in providing key information that would enable him to respond to issues of concern.
Sonko said the Finance Bill, 2024 was the trigger that gave Kenyans a chance to vent and speak their mind after finding themselves in difficult situations.
“I was the first person to advise the president on the Finance Bill. I told the president the problem was not him but the people surrounding him. We have seen some of his close officers showing arrogance and even pushing MPs and Governors to the corner and people kept silent,” Sonko said.
Sonko urged the President to heed public opinion and crack the whip on state officials who have let him down.
According to the former governor, the recent anti-Finance Bill demonstrations by Generation Z indicated a desire for change.
He warned that failure to address these issues could lead to Gen Z organizing fresh anti-government demonstrations again.
“It is time the president stamps his authority. The evidence is there about corrupt officials. Corruption should not be selectively fought,” he said.
“Look at how I was arrested and charged with cases which ended nowhere. The cases were even dropped. Though some are pending, was I the only senior county boss who was facing corruption allegations? We want to see action. Not just taking two or three people and leaving many who are accused.”
Sonko also revealed his frustrations, claiming he was promised several government positions for his supporters in exchange for backing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but the promises have not been fulfilled.
He expressed disappointment at not receiving any of the promised positions, including one Cabinet Secretary, three Principal Secretaries, eight ambassadorial seats and six parastatal roles.
Though his impeachment from office could have made it difficult for him to be appointed, Sonko says the agreement was not for him to be appointed.