Editor's Review

Najib Balala said he is ready to serve in president-elect William Ruto's government.

Canada-based Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna has taken a jibe at outgoing Tourism minister Najib Balala after the latter said he is ready to serve in president-elect William Ruto's administration. 

Speaking on Friday, September 9, while releasing a report on Kenya's performance in the tourism sector, Balala said he would not mind taking up a government position should Ruto accord him one. 

"I am happy and humbled, and I thank President Kenyatta for giving me the chance to serve the nation I welcome President William Ruto, and I am ready to serve in his government whenever it’s necessary. I know by Tuesday, we will cease being ministers because Uhuru’s government will cease on Tuesday, and Ruto’s government will start, and that is the time when we might be called to stay until the new appointees take over, or we will be told to go home and wait to hand over," said Balala.

Balala's expression did not however sit well with Miguna who asked him to be mindful of other jobless but capable Kenyans who could serve in government.

Outgoing Tourism CS Najib Balala said he is ready to be part of President-elect William Ruto's administration. Photo: Courtesy.

This is by virtue of Balala having served for a long time in different administrations.

He has been the minister for Tourism in the governments he has served in.

"My friend Najib Balala, you are not the only Kenyan who was born to serve as cabinet secretary for tourism. You have held that position for more than 15 years. That's enough. Move on. Retire. Find something else to do. There are 35 million unemployed Kenyans.," said Miguna.

Balala kept off from active politics as a handful of his cabinet colleagues took to the campaign trail to drum support for Raila Odinga, President Uhuru Kenyatta's preferred successor.

The former Mvita MP served in late Mwai Kibaki's government as the Tourism minister between 2008 and 2013.

He joined Uhuru's cabinet as the minister for Mining before transitioning back to the Tourism docket.