'I'm as gentle as a dove', Murkomen defends self over 'arrogant' claims
Politics
By
Esther Nyambura
| Aug 03, 2024
Sports Cabinet Secretary nominee Kipchumba Murkomen was today during his vetting put to task over the ‘arrogant’ and ‘opulent’ claims.
Murkomen in recent days has faced criticism over his character and lifestyle as a public servant.
On social media, Murkomen has been labelled as ‘arrogant’ due to his verbal remarks and opulence after revealing in an interview that he owns a watch worth Sh900,000.
READ MORE
Real estate posts high productivity as challenges hit wholesale, retail sectors
How container cash deposits are creating a problem for Kenyan traders
Fresh test for Ruto as IMF urges new tax policies to unlock loans
Kenya's nuclear power plan faces significant cost hurdles
Healthcare and business: Diana Okello's journey in aviation medicine niche
How access to credit is boosting tech adoption, earnings for SMEs
'Wrong e-mail address' claim fails to stop Sh283m JKIA tender
State roots for maritime workers' rights, fair pay
Tullow still pursuing strategic partner, says oil plan on course
But in his defense before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointment, Murkomen said those who know him understand that he is neither opulent nor arrogant, describing himself as gentle as a dove.
"I am not arrogant. In fact, I am as gentle as a dove. Those who know me, know I cannot hurt a fly. The problem with public service is that you are always confronting challenges, and if you speak in a specific manner, it is concluded that the person is arrogant," said Murkomen.
He added, "I do not know what opulence is. Opulent people bask in wealth and modern things. I just became a victim of a crossfire of conversation. I have never bragged about what I wear, what I have, where I live, or the car I drive."
The sports docket nominee reassured Kenyans that they should not worry about him looting public funds, highlighting that in the 22 months he served as Transport CS, no corruption case was recorded in his office.
"Having managed a ministry with so many agencies and a huge budget, I am extremely proud that for two years I have done my job with utmost hard work, and in those two years, I have not been accused of anything related to corruption," he said.
Murkomen has vowed to streamline the sports sector and ensure federations operate in favor of the athletes they represent.
If approved, he plans to remove officials who have served for more than eight years in any sports association to pave the way for new leadership. Failure to comply will result in a lack of funding.
To boost employment among the youth, Murkomen expressed his intention to employ young people, including Gen Zs and Generation Alpha, in his office.
Murkomen's nomination seeks to replace Ababu Namwamba, who was among the CSs who failed to make a comeback in Ruto's second Cabinet.
- Embattled VC Kiama vows to stay put despite council pressure
- Lawyers to protest against President's attack on Judiciary
- Kidney transplants: Eight common questions answered