Former Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui now says he is not bitter after he was dismissed from the Cabinet in July 2024.
Speaking on Monday, October 6, Chelugui said he understood the circumstances surrounding his dismissal from the Cabinet.
Chelugui noted that he viewed his dismissal as part of efforts to build a broad-based government.
“I had an understanding even before being dropped that we need to create a broad-based government, and the nearest person to sacrifice is the closest person.
“I took it in stride, and I am not bitter at all. I am at peace, I am okay because I don’t see any malice or ill motive. I believe that as things stabilize and having no bad relationships, opportunities will come,” said Chelugui.
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The former CS also noted that he maintains a cordial relationship with President William Ruto despite being dropped from the Cabinet.
Chelugui also said he is not in the cold, adding that he took a step back to allow others to serve in government.
“I always interact and engage with the president once in a while. Remember, I was the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary, having served in the previous administration and transitioned to this administration. I think it was right for me to step back and engage in personal business and allow others to serve. But that does not mean I am in the cold,” Chelugui stated.
Further, the former CS mentioned that he is eyeing the Baringo Gubernatorial seat in the 2027 polls.
“I have political ambitions in Baringo. I will be running for the position of Baringo Governor in the 2027 general election,” he added.
Chelugui was among the Cabinet Secretaries who were dropped from the cabinet following the nationwide Gen Z protests in June 2024.
President Ruto, in a press briefing on July 11, 2024, announced the dismissal of the entire cabinet to pave the way for the formation of a broad-based Government.
The Head of State reconstituted the Cabinet weeks later, with some CS making a comeback to the cabinet.
Besides Chelugui, Ababu Namwamba, Florence Bore, Moses Kuria, Susan Nakhumicha, Ezekiel Machogu, Aisha Jumwa, Zacharia Njeru, Eliud Owalo, Mithika Linturi, and Njuguna Ndung’u were also dropped from the Cabinet.
Chelugui previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Water retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
