'Oops government?' State's habit of speaking first, clarifying later

In what is fast becoming a hallmark of Kenya Kwanza’s governance style, state officials have mastered the art of saying it loud, watching how it lands, then racing to clarify, often too late.

From policy rollouts to inflammatory remarks, government officials are increasingly walking back their own words, leaving Kenyans to decode what was said, what was meant, and what ultimately stands.

Alcohol policy U-turn

On July 30, NACADA unveiled a sweeping policy to restrict alcohol sales in public spaces. From supermarkets and petrol stations to beaches and restaurants. The backlash was immediate. Critics called it punitive and unrealistic.

Within hours, NACADA Chief Executive Anthony Omerikwa clarified that the document was merely a roadmap, not enforceable law.

“This is a roadmap, not an enforcement tool,” clarified NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa, in a press statement.

Murkomen’s ‘shoot to kill’ order

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen added to the confusion with a June 27 directive to police officers to use their firearms  if overwhelmed by protesters.

“The guns are not decorations…You should only run when you see that with whatever you have, even if you were to kill five or six, there are still many left (protestors).”

Barely a day later, in Kitui County, he softened his stance, insisting that officers should only use their firearms within the limits of the law.

On the same day of his initial remarks, Murkomen had also promised officers that the government would protect them in court should they face charges for killing protesters, adding that they were serving the country and maintaining order.

However, issuing a clarification, he stated: "I am not the one who wrote the law… I did not order the IG to conduct any extrajudicial killings. You will find nowhere where I said a police officer should take orders from me.”

But even President William Ruto  hasn’t been spared from the "oops" catalogue.

On July 9, he directed police to shoot protesters targeting businesses in the leg, so that they are incapacitated but not killed.

"Anyone caught burning another person's business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised, and later taken to court. Don't kill them, but ensure their legs are broken."

The comments sparked outrage from legal experts, human rights groups, and the public, with some threatening to petition the ICC. 

A week later, the President changed tack, calling for better parenting to prevent youth from clashing with police.

The retirement directive
In the wake of anti-finance Bill protests last year, Ruto announced that all public servants aged 60 and above must retire immediately.

“There will be no extension of tenures of public servants who are 60 and above, whatsoever,” he declared, framing it as a cost-cutting measure.

But several officials over the age limit remain in office, raising questions about enforcement, and about whether the directive was more reaction than policy.

Housing levy
Housing has also found itself in the grey zone of government messaging.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome told the public that the Housing Levy contributions do not guarantee home ownership,  but are simply a form of tax.

“The deduction is a levy or tax. I think it is easier to call it a tax… We are not building and handing you a house. We are building and allowing you to maintain it through rent. It is like a tenant purchase arrangement, you rent to own.”

This directly contradicted earlier assurances by Housing PS Charles Hinga, who had promised affordable homes tied to income-based payment plans.

According to governance expert Javas Bigambo, these conflicting statements reflect political theatre.  

“There are times people in government do not speak out of policy but out of passion for politics,” he avers. 

In other words, public officials often speak first, think later, only to issue a knee-jerk statement when backlash hits.

In a government where policy meets PR spin, Kenyans have learned to read between the lines. Whether this communication style will come back to haunt the administration remains to be seen.