A section of Kenyans on social media has reacted angrily after Embu Governor Cecil Mbarire reprimanded residents for giving President William Ruto a cold reception during his visit to the county last week.
On Saturday, November 16, President Ruto and his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, among other leaders, were in Embu County for the Episcopal Consecration and Installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u as the Catholic Bishop of the Embu Diocese.
However, the Head of State was not well received by the congregants.
While the crowd erupted in cheers when MC Archbishop Anthony Muheria recognized the presence of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the same could not be said for Ruto. When Ruto rose to speak about his government’s programs, such as the Affordable Housing Programme, the crowd jeered at some points.
The reaction from the crowd did not seem to have impressed Governor Mbarire, who is also the chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking on Sunday, November 17, the first-time governor reprimanded her constituents for not welcoming Ruto properly during the event. Speaking in her local dialect, Mbarire lectured the residents, accusing them of prioritizing politics over development.
Governor Mbarire, a staunch ally of Ruto, argued that Embu County risked losing out on government projects if it alienated the administration.
Her remarks, however, did not sit well with a section of Kenyans online. Many Kenyans condemned her tone, likening it to a school lecture, and accused her of ignoring the public’s right to dissent.
Majority of Kenyans argued that development should not be tied to political allegiance, adding that all counties deserve equitable resources as taxpayers. Some accused Mbarire of prioritizing personal political gains over addressing the needs of her constituents.
Others slammed her for defending a government they accused of failing to deliver meaningful development in Embu.
By Newshub