Chill, let the qualified serve! Makau Mutua tells off critics after appointment as Ruto’s advisor

Prof. Makau Mutua  has told off critics who have questioned his appointment as President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs.

Mutua, whose appointment was made public on Wednesday, took to social media saying that he is well qualified to serve President Ruto and is honoured to serve the nation under the Head of State.

“I’ve spent my entire life in the law at the highest levels, especially in the United States. I can’t think of a better way to serve my native Kenya,” he wrote on X.

Mutua added that he will not bow to critics, asserting that he will unapologetically use his expertise to serve the nation.

“I am sure some of those upset would readily accept the appointment,” he said.

“Chill, folks, and let those who are qualified, serve the country. I believe my expertise will be of good service to the President and the country.”

President Ruto said that Mutua is a distinguished law professor and boasts a plethora of knowledge on the Constitution as well as human rights.

“I have appointed Prof Makau Mutua as the Senior Advisor of Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President. Prof Mutua brings a wealth of experience in legal, constitutional and human rights matters. Congratulations Prof Mutua,” Ruto said in a statement.

Prof. Mutua served as Raila Odinga’s presidential campaign secretariat spokesperson ahead of the 2022 polls.

Mutua’s appointment however comes as tongue in cheek since he once, boldly and fiercely, vowed to never work for Ruto.

In a column on the Nation newspaper in 2020, Mutua inked strong worded sentiments against his new boss, noting that “Ruto has always been on the wrong side of history” and serving him would be an outlandish idea.

He claimed that someone from Ruto’s camp, then as the Deputy President, approached him with the proposal to support the DP in the 2022 elections.

“I was dumbfounded – and totally beside myself. I slapped myself to make sure I wasn’t in la-la land, or in mental Siberia. I kept it together even though I am still reeling from the outlandish idea. In spite of the shock, I’ve kept my counsel – until now,” he wrote.

“Today, I give the answer. Mr. Ruto and his campaign should read my lips – or rather the words from the tip of my pen. The answer is nyet. I can’t – and won’t – work with Mr Ruto. Never. Ever. Case closed.”

He added: “Mr Ruto and his brigand can take this to the nearest bank – no bona fide civil society organisation, or any of their self-respecting members, will touch Mr Ruto with a 10-foot pole. None.”

“Whenever I hear the mention of Mr Ruto, or sense his proximity, I head in the opposite direction. It’s been so since his emergence in Youth for Kanu ’92.”