Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Moses Kuria sparked outrage by claiming to be the 'acting President' in the absence of President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who are all on official business.
Kuria joked on Friday at the University of Eldoret that he held the most powerful job in the land because all three had left the country.
The outspoken CS asked the students at the end of his lecture whether they wished to extend greetings to the three.
"Do you want me to greet the president, his deputy, and Musalia Mudavadi?" he asked. Sasa Rais is from Merikani, Riggy G is from Colombia, and Musalia is from London.
Did you read this?
I see Kenyans on Twitter complaining about the high cost of fuel. Why don't they drill their own oil? - CS Moses Kuria pic.twitter.com/QpIwCY1NCL
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) September 16, 2023
President Ruto is in the United States on official business, while his deputy is in Colombia and Mudavadi is in the United Kingdom.
Contrary to Kuria's claims, even if the three leaders are absent from the country, the law does not recognize the CS as the sole authority figure.
According to the Constitution, the Speaker of the National Assembly is in charge, followed by the Attorney General.
Prof Kithure Kindiki, the present Interior Cabinet Secretary, would be the second most powerful CS behind Mudavadi.
I repeat. Petrol will be 260 Ksh by February. And El Nino is coming in 3 weeks that will last till March. These are global and climate change driven. Responsible leaders ought to tell the truth to prepare the people. You can throw stones at me all you want
— CS Moses Kuria (@HonMoses_Kuria) September 16, 2023