Newly appointed Commissioner of the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman), Charles Kanyi, is facing criticism for an apparent blunder in his initial public communication.
Kanyi, better known as Jaguar Kenya, seemed to have erroneously posted a draft message likely copied from a personal assistant or another source before issuing a polished update on his new role.
In the initial post, Kanyi included vague and clumsily written phrases such as “you can say a few things,” sparking speculation that the statement was either a misplaced draft or a message meant for private instruction.
The post caused an uproar, with critics accusing him of lacking originality and professionalism, particularly in a role that demands integrity and precision.
Soon after the backlash, Kanyi released a more refined statement expressing his gratitude for the appointment and emphasizing his commitment to advancing administrative justice and ensuring access to information for all Kenyans.
While the updated post struck a more professional tone, the damage from the earlier post had already been done, with many questioning whether Kanyi possesses the depth and expertise required for the role.
Others argue that the incident reflects a deeper issue of political appointees being placed in positions without adequate preparation or understanding of their responsibilities.
Despite the controversy, Kanyi has vowed to work tirelessly to ensure fairness and accountability for all Kenyans. However, for many, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of competence and preparation in public office.
As Kanyi begins his tenure, the spotlight will remain on his ability to prove that he can uphold the high standards expected of the Ombudsman’s office.