The Mt Kenya Times 
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha sharing cake with President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki on January 5, 2023.
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
I knew after the end of a three-day cabinet retreat, the spotlight will shift to the cost of hosting them.
The opposition Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition would kick off the onslaught by specifically targeting President William Ruto for allegedly failing to keep his word.
You heard them saying that if they win elections they will use government facilities to hold such meetings. They have forgotten. How soon?
For me, I would have expected Azimio to be the last to raise these concerns. Reason?
During the campaigns they used to hold some of their events at Five-Star hotels and reports indicated the government of the day was paying all the bills. President Uhuru Kenyatta was supporting the candidature of Raila.
In addition, the state was also holding their meetings in such expensive facilities.
The Azimio move at the time reeked of hypocrisy and a show of sheer dishonesty.
Kenyans had foreseen this. It was, therefore, hard to convince them to vote for them on account of their pledge to adopt austerity measures
Today, they are trying to re-invent the wheel. Will they succeed? I doubt.
Many Kenyans believe Azimio leaders are bitter because they lost election to Dr Ruto.
If Raila and Kalonzo won, we would have seen them hosting their retreats at Five-Star hotels.
For me, however, the venue is not be a big issue.
The bigger picture is whether the retreats meet their objectives. The hallmark is crafting a seamless strategy tailored to address the citizens’ pressing issues.
The retreats are held once or twice a year. This means the Ruto led Kenya Kwanza policy of holding meetings in government offices and state run facilities is being adhered to.
But we need to bear this in mind. The private establishments offer conducive environment for working. There is enough space and all materials are available including high- technology.
Besides, the cost is not always high. In some hotels, the owner and management would offer a good deal.
Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari where the cabinet retreat was held is owned by Mr Humphrey Kariuki. President Ruto appointed him to chair National Investment Authority.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga Is A Writer and Political Analyst based in Nairobi
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