East African Community Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza was on Saturday heckled in Kitui Central while addressing her constituents who shut her down as she attempted to defend the government over the high cost of living.

The CS who was attending the burial of a former radio presenter told the residents that President William Ruto had put in place to arrest the situation, including implementing policies which would improve the country's economic situation.

Her speech however met with a hostile reception as the crowd booed her claiming that the government had failed them.

''The cost of living is currently high and the President knows about it and that is why he is trying hard, he has even travelled to Europe, he has looked for funds. The good thing is that our development partners have advanced the money to us, which will alleviate the situation because we found empty coffers,'' she added.

Throughout the course of making her speech, the CS experienced a torrid time as the residents would hear none of it.

CS Malonza also justified Ruto's foreign trips stating that they are needed since the president is lobbying development partners claiming that the government inherited empty coffers and a bad economy which she stated Ruto is trying to fix.

''He is trying his best to ensure the cost of living comes down and that is the reason why you are seeing him looking for money to save the economy,'' she stated.

Malonza also claimed that the tax measures introduced by the Kenya Kwanza administration are good for he country since they will correct the economic situation over the long term.

Instructively, Ruto CSs have recently experienced hostile receptions including in their own political bastions while attempting to defend government policy.

For instance, Energy CS Davis Chirchir was heckled in Bomet on November 19 during a church service attended by President William Ruto.

The Energy CS was heckled forcing him to cut down his speech.