Sylvia Kangara, President William Ruto’s Economic Adviser, has responded sharply to criticism from a Kenyans on X user who mocked her perceived pride in her role, days after the High Court declared the appointments of presidential advisors unconstitutional.
On X, Juliet Njeri challenged Kangara’s public confidence in her position, writing:
“You mean Sylvia Kangara. Pride comes before a public ‘splat’. These Ivy‑league advisors clearly demonstrated that having some of the best professors in the world is not an antidote for the affinity to be a ‘lazy thinker’ just because of an illegal pay cheque.”
Kangara dismissed the criticism in a lengthy reply that quickly gained attention online.
She described the banter as “too much fun” and proceeded to outline her personal and professional background.
According to her statement, she has never travelled abroad on government funds, save for inexpensive domestic flights.
She said she learned to manage finances from a young age, has always paid her own way, and does not “fancy flying business class,” suggesting critics should “chill.”
Kangara emphasised that her earnings as an adviser were lower than what she made previously in private sector roles.
She cited her early career at a law firm in Times Square, New York, where she earned six‑figure dollar salaries in her twenties, and said money is not her motivation.
“Serving my country is what I wanted to do,” she wrote, adding that her passion was public service rather than compensation.
The exchange comes against the backdrop of intense constitutional scrutiny after the High Court ruled on 22 January 2026 that the creation and staffing of offices for 21 presidential advisors were unconstitutional, null and void from the outset for bypassing prescribed procedures under the Constitution and public service laws.
The judgment quashed the appointments and halted recognition of related payments.
The court held that the Executive must respect the Public Service Commission’s role and other statutory requirements when creating or filling public offices, igniting public debate on executive power and fiscal accountability in Kenya.