Human rights defender slams silence of former government officials -

By Suleiman Mbatiah

A prominent human rights defender has sharply criticized a growing trend among high-ranking government officials who remain silent on critical national issues while in office but become vocal critics after losing their positions.

Dr Isaac Kinity, a seasoned advocate for accountability, has described this selective courage as a profound betrayal of public trust, arguing that it undermines governance, fuels opportunism, and raises serious ethical questions about public service.

While fielding questions during an online interview with local media houses in Nakuru City, Dr Kinity emphasized that such behavior fails ordinary Kenyans who depend on leaders to advocate for their interests when it matters most.

The remarks by the former Secretary General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union were prompted by a series of controversies involving former officials who, after years of silence during their tenures, have publicly denounced government policies and decisions following their exit from power.

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He singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as a prime example of this troubling pattern. Gachagua, impeached late last year, amid allegations of disloyalty and incitement, has since positioned himself as one of President William Ruto’s fiercest critics.

In recent public rallies, Gachagua has accused the Ruto administration of neglecting economic hardships, sidelining certain regions, and mismanaging public resources. He has also claimed that his impeachment was a politically motivated move to silence dissent within the ruling coalition.

“While in office, Gachagua was a staunch defender of the same government he now criticizes. Where was his voice when Kenyans faced rising costs of living, corruption and human rights violations or when regional imbalances were evident?” Dr Kinity questioned.

He claimed Gachagua’s abrupt shift to outspokenness reveals self-serving motives rather than true public concern, undermining trust in leadership. Such inconsistency, he argued, deepens skepticism about politicians’ sincerity and weakens democratic accountability.

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“True leaders must demonstrate courage and accountability while in positions of influence, as we have seen with the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o who has remained steadfast even after attempts to silence her with fictitious arrests and court cases,” Dr Kinity urged.

The trend is not limited to Gachagua. Former Attorney General Justin Bedan Muturi, popularly known as JB Muturi, has also joined the chorus of post-tenure critics. Muturi recently criticized the government for what he termed “systemic inefficiencies” and poor coordination within the executive.

In a media interview last month, he claimed that bureaucratic bottlenecks have hindered the implementation of key policies, a critique he notably avoided during his time in office. Dr Kinity pointed out that Muturi’s silence while in power raises questions about his commitment to public service.

“His criticisms now ring hollow because, as a senior official, he had the authority, and the responsibility, to take concrete action rather than merely pointing out failures after the fact,” Dr Kinity noted while congratulating Homabay Governor, Gladys Wanga for regularly calling out misdeeds in the broad-based government.

Similarly, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, impeached in mid-2024 following a fake fertilizer scandal, has accused the government of failing to support farmers and address food security challenges.

Linturi’s tenure was marred by controversies, including allegations of distributing substandard agricultural inputs, yet he remained largely silent on systemic issues within the sector while in office. In recent public statements, he has blamed the administration for neglecting rural economies, a stance Dr Kinity described as opportunistic.

“Linturi had the platform to push for reforms as Cabinet Secretary. As the country grapples with economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment, citizens are increasingly demanding consistent and principled leadership,” stated Dr Kinity.

He called on public officials to uphold transparency and accountability, warning that speaking out only when it suits personal interests fuels public distrust and that, he added, Kenyans need leaders who speak up when it counts, not just when they’ve lost power or influence.

Dr Kinity called for a broader conversation on the ethics of public service, urging civil society and the media to hold leaders accountable for their actions both in and out of office. He also appealed to voters to scrutinize the track records of politicians, particularly those who shift narratives for political expediency.