President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors Chairperson David Ndii has defended First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto from attacks on social media over her faith diplomacy plans for the country.
In a statement on X, economist Ndii dismissed a tweet by, Waikwa Wanyoike who criticized the activities of Rachel’s office.
Wanyoike said the operations of the president’s spouse office should be embedded in the Constitution claiming that it is inappropriate for Rachel to use her office to promote her personal agendas.
“We need a legal framework to guide and circumscribe the mandate and activities of the Office of the First Lady (OFL). It is unconscionable for the First Lady to continue to use public resources and public goodwill to feed her idiosyncratic and misplaced dogmatic obsessions,” read the tweet.
David Ndii Defends Mama Rachel Ruto
However, David Ndii explained that faith diplomacy is one of the programmes at Rachel’s office.
The economist asked Waikwa to accept the programme even if he is against it adding that he should practice the things he preaches.
“Faith diplomacy is one of the First Lady’s official programmes. It is as legitimate the LBGTQ advocacy that your organization supports,” Ndii said.
“If it’s not to your taste, you grin and bear it. Either you walk the tolerance/pluralism talk you preach or accept the intolerance of others.”
In retaliation, Waikwa explained that Rachel is using public resources without the authority of the Constitution.
Waikwa urged Ndii to stop deviating from the main point adding that it is unconstitutional for the first lady to use government’s resources against the law.
“David, focus! Stop being diversionary. The issue here is use of public resources and public goodwill. As a starting point, you know that no one should be using public power/resources without express authorization by law. That is the minimum requirement of rule of law principle,’ he wrote.
Ndii posted a preamble of the Constitution which acknowledges the supremacy of the Almighty God.
The economist maintained that the First Lady’s faith diplomacy cannot be outlawed since it is grounded in the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
He said “Even if a statute was to be enacted, there is no likelihood that it would be outlawed. As I said, grin and bear it.”
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Mama Rachel Ruto’s 3 Pillars of Transformation
On February 18, Mama Rachel unveiled three strategic pillars she will implement to transform the country under the Office of the First Lady.
She stated that her office will complement government’s effort to transform the country through empowering women economically, combating climate change and faith diplomacy.
Faith diplomacy, which is the third pillar, Rachel said will address the family and national values in communities across the country.
Under this pillar, the first lady said she will partner with faith-based organizations to streamline family and community-based values.
Also Read: Rachel Ruto Urges Church Leaders to Support Govt Programs
“Women and children bear the brunt of war and unstable conditions. Gender based violence (GBV) and other social hills contribute to unstable families. Despite the government’s free education programme some children in urban settlements are not in school due to family responsibilities,” she noted.
She said the pillar will use faith as a tool to promote peace, cohesion, and development.
Additionally, Rachel said it will incorporate family value-based teachings and keep children in schools through Mama feeding programme (Mama Doing Good).
In the first pillar, she explained that women will be included in the economic transformation by helping them build livelihoods and businesses.
Rachel further said her office will address challenges faced in the green and blue economy as well as the health and wellness of communities to combat climate change through the second pillar.