Vincent Mogaka: I have no regrets rejecting Ruto's diplomatic job offer

William Ruto and Vincent Kemosi acknowledge greetings from Nyamira residents on 2/11/2021.(Sammy Omingo,Standard)

Former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi Mogaka surprised Kenyans when he rejected his appointment as Kenyan Ambassador to Ghana. Prior to the appointment, Kemosi had been appointed as a Chief Administrative Secretary at the Department of Trade, a position that was declared unconstitutional by the High Court. Why would he reject a job considered more lucrative, and without any State job in sight, what could he be up to?

You rejected President William Ruto’s appointment as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana. Are you still convinced your decision was the right one?

Let me set record straight. I never rejected the President’s appointment. When people say I rejected it, it implies that I out-rightly refused to take it up, which is not the case. Immediately after the appointment, I just reached out to His Excellency and shared with him why the appointment would not suit me at this particular moment. He wholly agreed with me that indeed, I could not manage the assignment owing to my circumstances.

What do you mean by your circumstances?

The assignment would mean that I detach myself from my young family. My kids are much younger and they need sufficient attention from me as their father.

My wife is studying law at the University of Nairobi. I have a child who is just about to sit for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). And to crown it all, I am also doing my Master of Laws degree at Strathmore University. All these factors could not allow me to take up the job away from home.

The ambassadorial job is considered more lucrative than that of a CAS that you had earlier taken up?

As much as that could be true, the difference between the two jobs is the location. I could not be as comfortable working outside the country, considering my reservations for the job.

What was the reaction from the President with regard to your denial of the job offer?

Fortunately, we have a Head of State who is a good listener and one who understands very much. I just shared with him my position and we mutually agreed that my decision was justified.

What is the assurance from the President with regard to giving you another job?

You see, the President has his way of doing things. I expressed my desires to him and it will be his own discretion to give them consideration.

Immediately after your refusal to take up the job offer, your successor wrote a distress letter to President with regard to your decision. How consequential was it?

Yes, my successor not only did the letter but he as well went to the constituency to spread lies that I had rejected the job offer from the President. It didn’t bother me and it won’t. In any case, he is among those who are wishing that I descend into political oblivion by migrating away from my constituency.

My constituents are happy that I didn’t take the job that would detach me from them.

You have talked of detachment from the constituency. Does it mean you are still eyeing a comeback to the constituency politics?

I am one person who has a strong attachment with my people back at home. My constituents have prevailed upon me and have advised me not to go far. I have to heed their word!

What do you foresee for yourself, politically?

For now, my main focus is helping the President to deliver his promises to Kenyans even without an active portfolio. We have trust in his leadership and I fully know he will win the confidence of Kenyans if we give him time.

Do you think the country is headed in the right direction economically with regard to the prevailing circumstances?

Yes. I have trust in our President. What I see is not going on well is the disruption of his good intentions for the country. It is unfortunate that the good dreams he had in the 2024/25 Finance Bill have been halted. If it is revived, we have a bright future as a country.