Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday urged the government to scrutinize politicians’ extravagant lifestyles. Speaking at a funeral service in Kericho County, Murkomen proposed a comprehensive lifestyle audit for all politicians.
Murkomen believes such audits will address public concerns about state and public officers living beyond their means. He emphasized the need for Parliament to urgently introduce and pass the Lifestyle Audit Bill to set clear guidelines for auditing state and public officers’ finances.
He also called for investigations into some politicians’ living standards to ensure they align with their legal income. “The Bill should set limits on personal expenses like clothing and cars,” Murkomen stated. “This shouldn’t target just a few individuals like me but should be a nationwide policy.”
Murkomen also suggested an annual national discussion where each Cabinet Secretary submits a report on their ministry’s progress. “Without these measures, we are just spreading rumors. These steps will help prevent such issues,” he added.
Additionally, Murkomen criticized Kenyans for demanding development while rejecting the Road Maintenance Levy. His remarks came shortly after calls from some Kenyans for President Ruto to overhaul the cabinet.
In response, President Ruto stated he would explore other ways to address public concerns about certain cabinet secretaries, clarifying, “I will not dissolve the Cabinet because I am considering different approaches.”