‘Dissolve cabinet, disband Mudavadi’s office and fire David Ndii’ – Senator Boni Khalwale tells Ruto

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged President William Ruto to dissolve and reconstitute his cabinet. Speaking during a Senate session on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, Khalwale criticized the current cabinet for underperforming.

Call to Abolish Unconstitutional Offices

Khalwale also emphasized the need to eliminate what he considers unconstitutional offices. He specifically targeted the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions and the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, currently held by Musalia Mudavadi, leader of the Amani National Congress (ANC).

“Mr. President, dissolve your cabinet and reconstitute it. Disband offices outside the Constitution, including Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) and Prime Cabinet Secretary positions, as well as the Offices of the First Lady,” Khalwale stated.

Criticism of Ruto’s Advisors

The senator further recommended that President Ruto should dismiss some advisors who have not been beneficial to the executive branch.

He called for a swift restructuring of security organs, including the dismissal of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, citing unrest due to the anti-Finance Bill 2024 and anti-government protests.

“Disband some advisors, because if the advisors are useful, then what David Ndii is doing is not advising, it is misadvising. The president should quickly restructure the security organs by firing some people, the IG included,” Khalwale added.

Public Expenditure and Salary Debate

Khalwale’s comments come amid ongoing discussions on public expenditure for salaries and wages, following the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) proposal to increase salaries for Members of Parliament and senior state officers.

Cheruiyot on MPs’ Salaries

Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader, Aaron Cheruiyot, also addressed the Senate, suggesting that lawmakers reject the proposed salary increases from the SRC.

Cheruiyot argued that the SRC should focus on reducing the country’s public expenditure on salaries and wages from 46% to the required 35%.

“If it means taking a pay cut, we as members of parliament have been told that we will never do it. We don’t have an option, we must do it,” Cheruiyot stated. He criticized the SRC, led by Lyn Mengich, for proposing pay raises during challenging economic times.

By addressing these key issues, Khalwale and Cheruiyot highlight the need for significant changes in governance and fiscal management to better serve the country.