A Kenyan Member of Parliament has sparked national debate after telling civil servants who do not support the current government to resign immediately.
In a viral video shared by K24 TV, Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende issued a blunt warning during a public address. He said government workers cannot oppose the administration while still earning salaries from it.
“You can’t be a civil servant earning from the government and then go around saying ‘one term’. You either shape up or ship out,” Wamuthende declared.
His remarks were widely interpreted as targeting public officers who are seen as sympathetic to opposition politics, especially those using the phrase “one term” — a slogan often used by critics of President William Ruto to suggest he should not be re-elected in 2027.
The comments come at a time of rising political tension as the country slowly heads toward the next general election. Critics of the government have accused the administration of economic mismanagement, corruption, and poor governance.
However, Kenya’s Constitution and Public Service Commission rules require civil servants to remain neutral and serve the government of the day without engaging in partisan politics.
Wamuthende’s tough stance has divided Kenyans online. Supporters argue that public officers must be loyal and should not sabotage the government from within.
On the other hand, critics say his statement is unconstitutional and amounts to intimidation, warning it could threaten freedom of expression and job security.
The remarks have reignited debate on whether loyalty to a sitting government should outweigh professionalism and neutrality in public service, especially in a multi-party democracy like Kenya.
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Politics