“Come Here, Go There” and Other Strange Offices in President Ruto’s Government

Kenya’s political landscape is under intense scrutiny, with President William Ruto’s administration facing growing criticism for its perceived inefficiencies and bloated bureaucracy.

Among the most contentious issues is the establishment of seemingly redundant and questionably necessary positions, such as the one held by Blogger Dennis Itumbi.

As pressure mounts from Generation Protestors to cut down on government wastage and eradicate irrelevant offices, the spotlight is now firmly on the curious case of Itumbi and other similar appointments.

“Come Here, Go There”: The Strange Role of Dennis Itumbi

Dennis Itumbi, who self-identifies as a political strategy consultant, digital journalist, and election consultant, has become a lightning rod for criticism.

Describing his initial role in the administration as “Come here, go there,” an errands boy, Itumbi’s position remains ambiguous and seemingly unproductive.

Despite his vague job description, Itumbi was later appointed as a member of the Talanta Hela Council and its Technical Committee by Youth Affairs and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba.

The Talanta Hela Council was ostensibly created to revitalize sports and the creative economy in Kenya, with Namwamba at the helm and various notable figures.

The team includes  State Department of Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang, David Langat, Debra Mallowah, Abraham Kipyego Mutai, Charles Gacheru, Claudia Naisabwa Leshomoo, and Nobert Ouma, among its ranks.

But Itumbi’s actual contributions remain largely indistinguishable from his prolific activity on social media.

He consistently echoes pro-government narratives on X and supports controversial issues such as the rise in abductions and police killings.

Questionable Necessity and Cost to Taxpayers

The crux of the criticism lies in the necessity and cost of maintaining such positions. How is Itumbi’s role helping Kenyans, and more importantly, how much is it costing taxpayers?

These questions have been met with unsatisfactory answers from the administration, further fueling public discontent.

The perception that Itumbi is essentially drawing a salary for being a government blogger and an errand runner has not been lost on the Kenyan populace.

A Bloated Communication Team

President Ruto’s administration has also come under fire for its oversized and seemingly confused communication team.

In addition to Itumbi, the team includes a slew of former journalists and political figures, many of whom appear to be performing overlapping duties.

Former Citizen Television news anchor Hussein Mohamed is the State House Spokesperson while David Mugonyi leads the Presidential Communication Service.

The list continues with former nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura, appointed as the country’s fifth government spokesman, a position previously held by Cyrus Oguna.

This team also features former journalists Emmanuel Talam, Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Najma Ishmael, and Mike Gitonga, among others, all seemingly doing similar jobs to Itumbi’s “Come Here, Go There” role.

The Call for Accountability

The clamor for accountability and transparency in government has never been louder.

Generation Z Protestors, representing a cross-section of Kenya’s youth and disillusioned citizens, are on the forefront of demanding that President Ruto addresses these concerns.

Their demands are clear: cut down on government wastage, do away with irrelevant offices, and replace incompetent and corrupt Cabinet Secretaries (CSs).

The spotlight on Itumbi and other questionable appointments is symptomatic of a larger issue within the administration.

The establishment of unnecessary positions not only burdens the taxpayers but also undermines the government’s credibility and effectiveness.

As the public’s patience wears thin, President Ruto faces a critical juncture in his leadership. Will he heed the calls for reform, or will he continue to ignore the growing discontent?

The Broader Implications

The issue of government wastage is not merely about individual appointments; it reflects a deeper malaise within the political system.

The existence of redundant and unclear roles like that of Itumbi’s speaks to a lack of strategic vision and a propensity for cronyism.

This not only erodes public trust but also hampers the government’s ability to address pressing issues effectively.

President Ruto must not only reduce wastage but also to ensure that every office and position serves a clear, necessary function.

This involves making tough decisions, such as eliminating redundant roles and holding officials accountable for their performance.

Conclusion: Time for Change

The time for change is now. The pressure from Generation Z Protestors and other concerned citizens continues to mount and its not good.

President Ruto must take decisive action to address the inefficiencies and redundancies within his administration.

The curious case of Dennis Itumbi is a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and strategic governance.

Only by tackling these issues head-on can Ruto hope to restore faith in his leadership and steer Kenya towards a more efficient and effective government.