Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Baraza has come out in strong defense of President William Ruto’s growing number of advisers, urging Kenyans to assess their impact before passing judgment.

Speaking during an interview on KTN, Baraza downplayed concerns over the size of the advisory team, stating that the focus should be on results, not headcount.

“Kenyans should not focus on the number of advisers advising the President but on the output — what these advisers are bringing to the table,” Baraza said.

“I challenge those claiming the President has too many advisers to wait at least a year and then evaluate the benefits they’ve brought to the Head of State.”

He further dismissed claims that the advisers are draining public coffers, insisting the money they receive is a stipend for services rendered, not excessive payouts.

However, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, who appeared alongside Baraza in the interview, sharply criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration. He accused the government of bloating the executive despite promises by President Ruto to cut the national wage bill.

“To me, this is just another way for President William Ruto to expand his Cabinet under the guise of advisory roles,” said Maanzo.

“He has been reshuffling and growing the executive to balance political interests. It’s a government full of wastage,” he added.

During his 2022 campaign and in early statements after assuming office, President Ruto pledged to reduce the number of advisers as part of cost-cutting measures.

However, presently the President now has at least 20 advisers, with some operating at the level of Cabinet Secretaries. Running their offices is estimated to cost taxpayers over Sh1 billion annually.

On the IEBC appointments, Senator Maanzo reiterated the Wiper Democratic Movement and Democratic Action Party’s warning to President Ruto against proceeding with appointments to the IIEBC without proper consultation.