No thank you, former MP tells Ruto over appointment

From left: President William Ruto, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka at a past function. [File, Standard]

Former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka has declined President William Ruto's appointment as the chairperson of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre.

In a statement, Dr Munyaka said he made the decision after 'soul searching' and wide consultations.

"After soul-searching, extensive consultations and in consideration of the current political climate that threatens the realisation of the Government's economic transformation agenda, I have made the difficult decision to respectfully decline this appointment," Dr Munyaka said in a signed statement seen by Standard Digital.

However, the former legislator thanked the President for considering him for the opportunity and wished him success in leading the country.

The development comes barely three weeks after Munyaka, who has been Ruto's right hand man in Ukambani politics for the past seven years sensationally claimed the Head of State had forgotten the region in government appointments.

"For the sake of those who stood with the president, he (Ruto) should rethink his relationship with Ukambani. Although my remarks might be interpreted as rebellion, I must tell the president the facts as they are: we need services and employment of our people," Dr Munyaka said while addressing mourners in Mavoko constituency.

The outspoken former MP had been nominated as Lands Chief Administrative Secretary before the court stopped the appointments. He lamented that being a loyalist and a Ruto foot soldier in the region made him lose his parliamentary seat to Caleb Mule of Maendeleo Chap Chap party.

On Sunday, former Chief Administrative Secretary, Jackson Kala termed the appointment of Munyaka as a mockery of the highest degree.

"I think Ruto's decision to offer Dr Munyaka the said position was to respond to his (Munyaka's) earlier lamentation over failure by Ruto to offer Kambas Government jobs. Munyaka has been a dedicated and fierce supporter of Ruto and the least position he deserves is that of Principal Secretary (PS)," Kala told Standard Digital in a telephone interview.

At the same time, Wiper party nominated MCA, Dee Kivuva termed the appointment as an insult to Munyaka.