The youth are irredeemably corrupt, Uhuru says as he defends Awori’s new job

President Uhuru Kenyatta has defended the decision to appoint former Vice President Moody Awori to the Sports, Culture and Social Development Fund Board, saying he has lost trust in the young generation.

Awori’s appointment has elicited sharp reactions with the government being accused of recycling public officers instead of giving a chance to the youth.

But President Uhuru on Thursday hit back, blaming the youth for the wanton theft of public resources.

Yesterday, I saw that I was being criticized yesterday for appointing a 91 year old to look after the youth’s sports fund…lakini jameni you put yourself in my shoes. ukiona vile pesa inaibiwa and this is money that we went and passed the other day to support health programmes… halafu useme tupatie kijana, mimi afadhali bana nikae na huyo mzee achunge hiyo pesa na itumike vile inatakikana! Watu wawachane na mimi bana sitaki mambo mingi…” said the President who was presiding over 2018 graduation of the KCB2Jiajiri programme at Kasarani Stadium.

On Wednesday, Kenyans on Twitter had heavily criticised the move, saying Awori should stay in retirement.

“Awori is 91 years old. He is making a comeback to public service as a board member while his 94-year-old counterpart in Kabarak is enjoying his retirement and pension with peace,” @ItsMutai tweeted.

He added: “Something is fundamentally wrong in this country. Who really advises leaders in this country?”

“Awori, born in 1928, appointed to Sports Fund. Nothing against Uncle Moody, but do they want him to die in a public office so that he can receive a state-funded funeral?” said @SaddiqueShaban.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary appointed Awori alongside Athletics Kenya chief Jackson Tuwei to serve as members of the board, which has been tasked with developing infrastructure and facilitating Team Kenya for their national assignments.

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Other members will be the Principal Secretaries from the ministries of Education, Arts, Health, National Treasury and Sports.