Former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Phoghisio has urged President William Ruto to take decisive action against extravagance and indiscipline within his Cabinet and senior government ranks, saying this would go a long way in addressing key national challenges and reducing wastage of public resources.

Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Phogisio said the Head of State must begin internal reforms by holding members of his inner circle accountable for behaviour that reflects disregard for public service ethics.

“If the President wanted to sort out most of our issues, he should look inward to his Cabinet and senior officers and rein in those people,” Poghisio said.

The former West Pokot senator accused top officials of misusing public office, citing instances of reckless conduct and extravagant lifestyles at the expense of struggling Kenyans. He said that by curbing such practices, the government could significantly reduce its budgetary burden.

“You see them driving on the wrong side of the road, giving out money openly to people who are very poor, and suddenly, when they get into government, they start eating,” Poghisio remarked.

“If you got rid of that, our budget should shrink to about maybe three trillion from what it’s supposed to be.”

According to Poghisio, the display of wealth by public officials has created a culture of impunity and mistrust among citizens. He warned that the continued show of extravagance risks widening the gap between the government and the people, many of whom are facing economic hardship.

“These are not small issues. When government leaders act with impunity, driving recklessly, spending extravagantly, and distributing money in public, it sends the wrong message,” he noted.

“When you are trying to give money openly to people who are very poor people, it sends a signal to citizens that once you get into government, you suddenly eat.”

Conduct of State officers

Poghisio further emphasised that addressing wastage and misconduct in government would not only restore public trust but also free up critical funds that could be redirected to priority areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

“Reigning in these people is not just about discipline; it’s about governance,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that public resources are used responsibly and that leaders serve with humility, not entitlement.”

The veteran politician, who previously served as a minister and long-time lawmaker, said that while Kenyans expect service delivery from the Ruto administration, this would be impossible to achieve without first addressing systemic issues within the government itself.

He urged the President to set an example by demanding transparency, modesty, and accountability from his team. According to him, this would signal a new era of leadership committed to national development over personal enrichment.

“This is a chance for the President to lead by example and restore discipline in the highest levels of government,” Poghisio asserted.

 “It’s not enough to speak about reforms. We must live them.”

He called for fiscal responsibility and ethical leadership within government, particularly as Kenya continues to grapple with high public debt, rising cost of living, and limited resources.