Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji has expressed concerns regarding President William Ruto’s broad-based government, suggesting that it predominantly benefits a select group within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday night, June 5, 2025, Mukunji expressed disappointment with the formation of the broad-based government, stating that it did not emerge from a genuine desire for unity but rather as a reaction to intense street protests led by Gen Z.
Despite being elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, he voiced his disappointment over the direction the government has taken since its formation, noting that contrary to its intended purpose of fostering peace and addressing issues like corruption, government extravagance, and misuse of public resources, these problems have only intensified since the government’s inception.
He emphasised that the initial promises of inclusivity and national unity have not materialised, and instead, the inclusive government appears to favour a few individuals aligned with ODM.
Mukunji further criticised the government’s approach to public engagements, particularly the practice of politicians making substantial cash donations during church services.
“Mimi nilichaguiwa na chama cha UDA Mimi ni mmoja ya wale walipiga kampeni kubwa kule Embu kupigia debe Rais Ruto, lakini maneno mengi san imebadilika. Wakati hii broad-based government ilikuja , kwanza mimi nasema broad-based government haikukuja kwa uzuri; ilikuja kwa maneno ambayo ilikuwa ikipiganiwa sana in the streets na Gen Zna walikuja kusema wanataka kuleta Amani Kenya kubitia broad-based, lakini imefikia mahali ikaonekana ya kwamba zile vit ambazo zilileta watu katika barabara vitu kuhusu corruption , maneno ya extravagance na misuse of resources za serikali kwanza zimeongezeka mara dufu,” he claimed.
“Hakuna weekend; watu hawaenda kanisani na maguni ya pesa ili kufunika wanaKenya macho, kwa hivyo hii broad-based kama kuna mtu imefaidisha ni wale wat kidogo wa ODM.”
Ruto on broad-based govt
Mukunji’s criticism comes as Ruto continues to justify the formation of a broad-based government, claiming that it offers an opportunity for a better Kenya.
Speaking during Wycliffe Oparanya‘s thanksgiving ceremony in Kakamega County on Saturday, August 24, 2024, the head of state said a united country gives the citizens a chance to turn their dreams into reality.
“The broad-based government offers us a unique opportunity for a better Kenya. A Kenya that embraces all and offers everyone equal opportunity to participate in building our nation. A Kenya where we can turn our everyday dreams into an everyday reality.
“At the Mabole Primary School Grounds in Butere for the Thanksgiving ceremony for the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development,” Ruto said in a post on X.
