Go Home- Miguna Miguna To Balala

Canada-based Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna responded to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala expressing interest in serving in the incoming government of President-elect, William Ruto.

Speaking on Friday, September 9, while releasing a report on Kenya's performance in the tourism sector, Balala said he was ready to serve in Ruto's administration in whatever capacity he is given.

However, he said that it was not guaranteed given that once that administration ascends to power after Ruto's swearing-in on Tuesday, September 13, the Cabinet could witness massive changes from the one formed by outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta's government.

Tourism CS Najib Balala with Naomi Campbell will be Magical Kenya's International Tourism Ambassador. /TWITTER.MAGICAL KENYA

"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 wish however irked Miguna, who exposed his more than 15-year career in the same position.

He advised the outgoing CS to let it go and let others who are capable of serving in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife have a go at the lucrative post.

"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 is the longest-serving Minister in the Kenyan Government having served 25 years in service, with 17 years as a Minister, of which 12 years as the Minister of Tourism.

He started his public service career after being the mayor of the city of Mombasa in 1998 and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mvita Constituency, Mombasa County, between 2002 to 2013.

During his tenure as Mvita MP, he also served as a Minister for Gender, Sports, Culture and Social Services from 2003 to 2004, and Minister for National Heritage from 2004 to 2005.

In 2013, he also served as the first Minister in the Ministry of Mining, and is credited with delivering the Draft Mining Bill in 2014, the first policy and institutional framework review of Kenya’s mining sector since 1940.

In addition to his ministerial duties, Balala has advocated for community empowerment, promotional of cultural and local heritage, with enthusiasm in conserving the Swahili culture.