Hassan Joho, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, recently defended the expansion of President William Ruto’s government, emphasizing that it reflects the inclusion of deserving Kenyans.
Speaking at the Tononoka Ground in Mombasa, where he joined Muslims in Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, Joho stated that representation is vital for the country’s peace. “We need more representation. Everyone deserves to be represented,” he remarked.
President Ruto recently appointed additional Principal Secretaries to head newly created state departments, leading to concerns about a growing wage bill as Kenyans continue to face tax pressures. However, Joho argued that the expansion was necessary to reverse Kenya’s history of political exclusion. He praised Ruto’s approach for introducing a paradigm shift that aims to ensure all Kenyans feel included in governance.
“For too long, Kenyan politics has been a first-past-the-post system, where only the winners are heard, and the rest have no voice or contribution. This is what we want to change,” Joho said. “Now, we are having a broader conversation, where everyone has a say in the government.”
The expanded government, according to Joho, is meant to unite Kenyans and foster a sense of inclusion, urging citizens to cherish their nation. “There is only one Kenya, and we all need to embrace it to avoid divisive, do-or-die politics,” he added.
Joho also took the opportunity to address the issue of juvenile gangs causing insecurity in Mombasa and Kwale counties. He urged young people involved in criminal activities to reconsider their choices and use their energy positively.
“Before you sleep each night, reflect on your actions. Are they beneficial to you both on earth and in heaven?” Joho posed. “If you don’t channel your youthful energy properly, you’ll regret it later in life.”