National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has responded to Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria’s comments, in which he suggested that the government functions more like an advertising agency.
Speaking at the burial of Mzee King Mwaruwa, father of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, in Kilifi on Friday, Wetang’ula dismissed Muheria’s remarks, implying that the Archbishop has not taken the time to study the Constitution.
He emphasized that it is crucial for the government to communicate its projects to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
“To say the government is not an advertising agency means you haven’t read the Constitution of Kenya. The Constitution we follow places the people of Kenya at the center, and they must be informed and involved in everything we do,” Wetang’ula explained.
“As a government, we have a responsibility to keep broadcasting our actions so that all Kenyans, from Vanga to Lokichogio, from Malava to Lamu, are aware.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi also responded to Muheria’s criticism.
Mudavadi described the Archbishop’s comments as misleading and unjust, reiterating that the government’s efforts to engage the public were in line with its duty to keep citizens informed.
Mudavadi further pointed out that informing the public about national matters is standard practice in major global powers like the United States and the United Kingdom.
“So, calling the government an advertising agency is misleading the public,” he said. “Even in America, President Trump had to explain his plans to his people. In the UK, they do the same. It is the government’s duty to ensure communication with the citizens so that they can continue with national development.”
Muheria had criticized the government for focusing more on publicity than on delivering actual services.
He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of prioritizing making a good impression by showcasing plans rather than implementing projects that genuinely benefit Kenyans.
