Khalwale Calls for Removal of 1st Lady, 2nd Lady Offices

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale

Khalwale Urges Removal of First Lady and Similar Offices, Labels Them ‘Private Family Matters’

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has sparked controversy by calling for the abolishment of offices such as First Lady, Spouse of the Deputy President, Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and county first ladies. This comes in response to President William Ruto’s recent announcement of austerity measures following public outcry over the Finance Bill 2024 and subsequent protests.

Critique of Public Spending

During a media briefing at State House Nairobi, President Ruto declared his intention to remove the offices of his wife, Rachael Ruto, and Dorcas Rigathi, wife of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, from the current budget. Senator Khalwale condemned these offices as a drain on public resources, particularly targeting the Office of the First Lady as unconstitutional and a substantial financial burden on taxpayers.

Private Matters vs. Public Funding

Speaking passionately in the Senate, Khalwale argued, “If I ascended to one of these offices, you would shake my family. Who among my first, second, or third wife would be the First Lady? These are private family matters that should never burden the public!”

Role and Budget Allocation

Mrs. Ruto’s office has been actively involved in religious and women’s economic empowerment initiatives under her strategy known as ‘faith diplomacy’ since 2022. Similarly, Mrs. Rigathi focuses on ‘boychild empowerment’ programs to combat drug and substance abuse among Kenyan youth. Both offices were allocated substantial funds for the 2024/2025 financial year, with Mrs. Ruto’s office receiving Ksh. 696.6 million and Mrs. Rigathi’s Ksh. 557.5 million.

Expansion of Similar Offices

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi initiated an office for his wife, Tessie Mudavadi, last year to complement the work of existing offices. Mudavadi clarified that his wife’s office does not draw funding from taxpayers.

Calls for Further Austerity

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua added to the debate by urging President Ruto to downsize his Cabinet from 21 to 14 Secretaries, in line with constitutional provisions. Wambua also proposed merging State Departments and reducing Principal Secretaries from 51 to 14 to streamline government operations.