Musician Octopizzo has sparked a national debate on accountability in public appointments after criticising the swearing-in of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s brother as a commissioner of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
His comments, issued through a statement on X, questioned whether senior state offices are observing merit-based standards when filling positions in constitutional bodies.
The remarks come at a time when scrutiny over public appointments remains high, especially within commissions created by the 2010 Constitution to enhance oversight and professionalism.
The SRC, which plays a central role in determining pay for public and state officers, has historically been at the centre of policy disputes involving unions, Parliament, and the Executive.
Any new appointment often attracts public interest due to the commission’s influence on wage ceilings and the national budget.
In his statement, Octopizzo criticised the decision to appoint an engineer to a position he argued requires grounding in economics, fiscal analysis, and remuneration policy.
He stated that Kenya has a wide pool of qualified professionals in related fields and questioned why such expertise was not prioritised.
He described the development as a reflection of weakened commitment to institutional integrity.
The artist also faulted Speaker Kingi for celebrating the appointment, arguing that it demonstrated how networks tied to powerful political families continue to shape access to top public offices.
According to Octopizzo, the trend undermines confidence among young Kenyans who invest heavily in specialized training with the hope that merit will drive career opportunities.
He warned that repeated instances of politically connected appointments risk normalizing nepotism in public service.
Kenya has witnessed heated debates in recent years over the role of political patronage in state appointments, including disputes within independent commissions and state corporations.
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