Memoir of Former CS Sicily Kariuki Reflects on an Alleged Plot to Kill Ruto
In her recently published memoir, "Breaking the Illusions," former Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki sheds light on Kenya's turbulent political landscape during her time in office.
According to Kariuki, the sensational allegations of a secret meeting among Cabinet Secretaries to plot the downfall of then-Deputy President William Ruto in 2019 were a reflection of the growing divide between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy's faction. Kariuki recalls her surprise when she received a call from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) regarding the alleged conspiracy. She describes it as an "unthinkable" accusation, one of the most serious that a person could face. However, she remains puzzled by the incident, suggesting that it may have been a result of the strained relationship between the highest levels of the presidency.
Despite being encouraged to provide a statement at the DCI headquarters alongside her fellow Cabinet members, Kariuki declined. She explained that since there was no official complaint, she believed it was necessary to authenticate the purported evidence before cooperating with the investigation. The evidence, in this case, was simply a letter circulating on social media. Also, Kariuki reveals President Kenyatta's mysterious phone calls to his inner circle before making important Cabinet announcements. These enigmatic conversations left her contemplating their meaning and purpose, especially when they preceded significant announcements.
To gather different perspectives on the corruption scandals, Kariuki shares her own experiences and thoughts on the allegations. She suggests that her strong stance against corruption may have made her a target of false information, causing unwarranted scrutiny from the President. Looking back on her time at the Health Ministry, Kariuki acknowledges that even Cabinet Secretaries who were detached from financial matters were not immune to accusations of wrongdoing.
She implies that allegations of misconduct often overshadowed their actual efforts, which eventually led to her being transferred to the Water docket.
Adding a touch of humour, Kariuki shares stories of being called names like "Thatcher" and "CoB" (Close of Business), highlighting her reputation for demanding efficiency. Furthermore, she discusses her role in putting a stop to a performance by Congolese artist Koffi Olomide in 2016 due to a dispute within his group. She also recounts how, despite facing two unsuccessful impeachment attempts, some Members of Parliament later approached her to apologize for their misguided accusations.
Throughout her memoir, Kariuki blends informative insights and captivating anecdotes, giving readers a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of Kenyan politics and her personal experiences navigating its complexities.