Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has claimed that his ministry has been sidelined within government operations, citing persistent challenges in accessing facilitation for official duties.
Speaking on Thursday, May 21, Oparanya said he has repeatedly faced difficulties while travelling for government assignments due to inadequate funding, forcing him to seek assistance from other individuals to carry out his responsibilities.
The CS questioned whether his ministry receives the same recognition and support as other Cabinet ministries within the government structure.
Oparanya claims MSMEs Ministry has been sidelined in government. Photo: Courtesy.
He further alleged that accounting officers in ministries have increasingly taken control of financial approvals, making it difficult for Cabinet Secretaries to access resources required for official operations and government activities.
Oparanya becomes the second Cabinet Secretary under President William Ruto’s administration to publicly raise concerns against the government.
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi was dismissed from the Cabinet following a public fallout with Ruto that emerged weeks after the alleged abduction of his son, Leslie Muturi.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner at State House on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Ruto criticised Muturi’s performance during his tenure as Attorney General, accusing him of delaying the establishment of a Waqf system, an Islamic endowment framework that has remained a subject of governance debate.
The President also expressed confidence in Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, saying the matter would be resolved within months.
In response, Muturi defended his record, arguing that the Waqf Act No. 8 of 2022 does not provide for the establishment of a Muslim Endowment Fund.
He further maintained that waqf matters are legally managed by the Waqf Commission.
