Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui/FILE
Speaking in an interview on Inooro TV, Kinyanjui defended those serving in government and rejected the notion that working under the current administration automatically makes one a bad person.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity in the Mt Kenya region, where opposition leaders have increasingly criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration during funerals, church gatherings and other community events.
Responding to criticism directed at leaders who have chosen to remain in government, Kinyanjui argued that holding public office comes with a responsibility to solve challenges rather than amplify complaints.
"I think it's important to say that, if the issue is that we're given jobs... We cannot say everyone working in government is a bad person," he said.
He questioned why public officials would distance themselves from government instead of using the powers entrusted to them to address the concerns raised by citizens.
"Where can we go if we move out of Kenya? As leaders, our work is not to disappear when things are going bad. A man does not disappear when things are going bad. His work is to streamline things," he said.
Kinyanjui said elected leaders already have institutions through which they can address challenges affecting their constituents.
He pointed to Members of County Assembly, Members of Parliament and senators, saying they were elected to oversee government functions and ensure services are delivered effectively.
"We have been given instruments to streamline things. We have MCAs. It's their work to check that businesses are going on okay. Instead of us solving our problems, we come complaining that it is one person who has ruined things. That will not be justice," he said.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that the country still faces challenges but insisted leaders should focus on resolving them instead of turning public gatherings into platforms for political attacks.
"We cannot escape, no matter how dark it gets. Our work is to bring light," he said.
He cited what he described as improvements under the current administration, including enhanced security and ongoing road infrastructure projects.
"I am happy that since we came, some of the hard things that were there, that children were sleeping in hiding- those things have ended. Again, when I am going to my hometown in Nakuru, I am passing tarmacked roads that will advance our economy in a big way," he said.
Kinyanjui maintained that public officials should engage directly with the relevant ministries whenever problems arise instead of raising the issues at funerals or village meetings.
"My prayer is that as leaders we should not be cry babies that when we go to rural areas or funerals we start saying this is not good, SHA is not working... You are a leader. You have the opportunity to call the minister, bring suggestions on how these things can be done," he said.
He also urged leaders to avoid politicising every challenge facing the country, noting that previous administrations also dealt with governance difficulties.
"It's good we remember that even former President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his last days in office, we still had problems. Even that time there was noise. So, when there are problems, let us not politicise. Let's ask each other how we can resolve these issues," he said.
Kinyanjui further argued that lasting solutions are achieved through legislative and administrative processes rather than political speeches.
"There is nothing that can be changed in funerals, church meetings. Things are changed where laws are made," he said.
