Francis Kimemia: Ruto’s advisers failed him
Francis Kimemia, the career civil servant who rose ranks to Secretary of the Cabinet in President Mwai Kibaki’s State House, now blames the political crisis President William Ruto found himself in following anti-government protests on the failure of presidential advisers, security and intelligence agencies.
Speaking on Inooro TV, Mr Kimemia said the security and intelligence agencies on the ground had failed the President.
Mr Kimemia said the sacking of the entire cabinet was an admission by the president that all was not well.
“The President has many advisers; how come none of them were aware of the loud voice of discontent from Kenyans?” asked the former Nyandarua governor.
He said President Ruto succumbed to pressure and agitation by the Gen Zs, a situation he said could have been averted if the government had listened to the lingering grievances.
“The Gen Zs took to the streets after the government refused to listen to them and Kenyans. This government has closed its doors to Kenyans, it has distanced itself from the citizens. I was a senior civil servant and I can tell you that Kenyans from all walks of life would come to my office and that is how I understood what the citizens wanted, how they felt about the government and what was happening on the ground,” added Mr Kimemia, who also served as Internal Security permanent secretary during his rise through the civil service.
“The voices of discontent have been there for a long time, the Finance Bill was just a trigger and the president’s advisers should have known and advised him,” Mr Kimemia said of the protests, which also targeted unpopular tax demands, opulence and arrogance by key government officials.
He said it’s important for the President to have some cabinet slots for Gen Zs, including in the PS and parastatals.
He said the government should have a team to lead reconciliation with the families of those killed during the protests, adding that the National Assembly should be cleansed.
“What has happened, the shedding of blood in the National Assembly calls for cleansing, I don’t understand how they can sit in this house to discuss national issues when there is bloodshed everywhere. The National Assembly is like a holy place where one can seek refuge and justice. The fact that innocent blood was shed in that house and the fact that it was entered by the protesters means that the place has lost its dignity and sanctity, it’s traumatising that MPs are conducting their business there while the innocent blood shed is still fresh inside, it calls for cleansing,” Mr Kimemia added.
He said compensation and payment of hospital bills for the protest victims were not enough and must be followed by justice for the victims.
“The assembly and the executive cannot remain silent on those who were killed during the peaceful protests,” Mr Kimemia added.
On the politics of the Mount Kenya region, Mr Kimemia said leaders had launched an initiative to bring all leaders together.
“The region will go into the next elections as a united community with the possibility of fielding a presidential candidate. As a community, we have to start respecting our leaders. It’s not right to fight Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, it’s wrong,” he added.
He said he was against the proposed changes in the leadership of the National Assembly.
“Those who hold those positions are our people, we need them there to protect the interests of the community,” Mr Kimemia added.
He said he would be back in Nyandarua, adding that residents were suffering from many missed opportunities, failed development projects and increased taxation without public participation and other considerations.
At the same time, he said the government was doing nothing to create an enabling environment for economic growth.
waikwamaina@yahoo.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.