NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has broken his silence more than a year after his dismissal from the Ruto Cabinet, declaring he harbours no bitterness toward President William Ruto but condemning what he views as the administration’s sluggish pace in executing its campaign promises.
Speaking Monday evening on TV 47, Chelugui said he continues to engage with the president occasionally and emphasized that his removal was understood rather than resented.
“I occasionally interact and engage with the president … I respect the decision to have me step aside and allow others to serve,” he told viewers.
Chelugui’s dismissal in July 2024 came in the wake of youth-led protests triggered by the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which introduced taxation measures on internet-based activities.
The protests compelled the government to retract parts of the Bill. Chelugui insists that fallout from the protests contributed to changes in the Cabinet lineup.
Despite his removal, Chelugui contends that ties with Ruto remain cordial and professional. He noted that he was the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary across multiple administrations, having served under both former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Ruto.
That said, Chelugui attributed the current administration’s delay in responding to urgent national issues. He argued that while Ruto’s government began its term with bold, fast-moving programs, momentum has since flagged.
“What we missed was going back to the people after the promises to run the course together. There is a difference between a plan and action,” Chelugui said.
“At the beginning of this administration, some programmes were being rolled out … but the speed has become normal.”
He specifically criticized what he called reluctance by the government to engage swiftly with citizen concerns, noting that in some cases promises remain on paper rather than in practice.
The former CS said that slower program delivery has sparked frustration among Kenyans, many of whom expected more visible results by now.
Chelugui framed his departure as a natural political shift rather than a falling out. “I think it was also right for me to step back and allow others to serve. But that does not mean I am in the cold,” he added.
His comments add a notable voice to wider debates about governance and accountability under President Ruto.
As Kenya heads into key electoral cycles, voices like Chelugui’s may gain greater traction among critics who argue that rhetoric has outpaced delivery.
