Leaders protest Uhuru’s changes

President Uhuru Kenyatta at a past event. (File)

Leaders from Western have expressed dissatisfaction with the Cabinet reshuffle following the sacking of Sports CS Rashid Echesa by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The lawmakers allied to the Jubilee Party feel the President has shortchanged the region.

The leaders, led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, said the region was given the Cabinet secretary slot because of their contribution towards ensuring Kenyatta won the second term. Mr Barasa who spoke to the Saturday Standard on phone said they have learnt lessons from the Cabinet reshuffle and in future, that will inform how they vote.

“It’s very unfortunate that CS Echesa has been sacked. He was the only CS from the larger Western region since Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa is from Trans Nzoia County,” said the MP.

Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali said: “We woke up to bad news. The President should have called us as leaders from the region to discuss this matter.” Mr Washiali claimed that the handshake between the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga was being misused to get back at Raila’s critics.

Not a native

He noted that the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) chairman George Magoha, who has been nominated to the Cabinet to head the Education docket, is not a native of the region despite having his residence in Busia County.

Barasa also accused Raila of having a hand in Echesa’s sacking, saying their rivalry spoke volumes.

“By Uhuru sacking our son (Echesa) and locking us out of his Cabinet appointments, we have no option but to pull out of Jubilee Party. We campaigned for Jubilee and delivered four parliamentary seats from the region, but in return, we have been spat on in our face,” said Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe. Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali claimed that the handshake is being used to undermine leaders.

“Uhuru is undermining us by taking the positions he gave us and handing them to people from other regions,” Shinali claimed.

Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala (ANC) said Western leaders have a right to be in government.

Mr Khamala said that they won’t keep quiet until the President gives reasons for sacking Echesa.

(Nathan Ochunge, Jackline Inyanji, Brian Kisanji)