Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang'i has urged President William Ruto to respond to questions from Kenyans and the opposition about government decisions. Matiang'i emphasized that citizens have a right to seek information about the actions of their government and should not be discouraged from doing so. He made these remarks in Mombasa after meeting leaders of Kadu Asili.
Matiang'i criticized Ruto's response to a question from a local journalist during the President's recent tour of the Coast. The journalist had asked Ruto about claims made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua concerning the exploitation of minerals in the country. Matiang'i argued that leaders should answer legitimate questions from the public, saying, "I don't know why you should be abused for asking that question especially when you are asking your leader."
The Jubilee leader stated that Jubilee and the united opposition would continue to respect the Constitution and constitutional offices while holding the government to account. He mentioned that they would continue asking questions about the Dangote oil refinery in Lamu. Matiang'i said the government should investigate and act on any wrongdoing surrounding the proposed refinery if there is evidence to support such claims.
Matiang'i emphasized that the government should provide transparency and oversight in major projects. He said Kenya needed foreign investment to support economic development but insisted that major projects should be subject to appropriate disclosure and oversight. Matiang'i argued that Parliament should be given access to sensitive information where necessary, suggesting that departmental committees in the House could be used for disclosure.
The Jubilee leader also rejected claims that the opposition lacked an agenda, saying its focus included development and job creation in the Coast region. He mentioned that they were working on the Coast Region Integrated Development and had an agenda to provide jobs to the people of the Coast. Matiang'i stated that a government under his leadership would provide greater transparency on the exploitation of minerals at Mrima.
Matiang'i maintained that major government decisions should not be conducted in secrecy, insisting that Parliament should play its oversight role in matters involving public resources and major investments. He argued that if parliamentary committees do not have information about major government agreements, yet are asking the same questions as the opposition, it raises concerns about accountability.
Matiang'i concluded that the government should act on any wrongdoing and provide transparency in its dealings. He said, "If they have told you who shook them down, arrest them. Who is supposed to arrest them? It is not us, Wananchi. You can't come to tell us stories every day. You are the ones who are in office. You are the ones who have powers to act. Please act."
Key points
- Matiang'i challenges Ruto to respond to Kenyans' questions about government decisions.
- The Jubilee leader emphasizes the need for transparency and oversight in major government projects.
- Matiang'i rejects claims that the opposition lacks an agenda, citing a focus on development and job creation.
