Reports swirling around the capital on Monday suggested that President William Ruto is poised to dismiss at least 15 Principal Secretaries (PSs) as part of a sweeping reshuffle within his government. However, a close ally of the President has dismissed these claims, labelling them as unfounded.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei spoke out against the speculations during a panel discussion on Daybreak, asserting that the recent meetings and interactions involving President Ruto and his Cabinet are more about fostering unity than executing a major personnel overhaul.
The discussion followed a breakfast meeting held at State House, where Ruto convened with newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and PSs.
Sigei explained that the President’s recent focus is on addressing the aftermath of recent protests led by Gen Z activists. He suggested that the session at State House was intended to solidify relationships and reinforce the government’s commitment to regaining public trust.
“I would outrightly answer no,” Sigei stated.
He added, “When we saw yesterday the president together with the entire CSs and PSs in office, they had a breakfast session. I haven’t heard that one of the agenda items was a consideration of who would stay and who would go where and when.”
The senator’s comments come amid media reports suggesting that Ruto is contemplating reducing the number of Principal Secretaries from 51 to under 36. This proposed reduction is part of an effort to streamline the administration and cut costs as the President seeks to implement austerity measures.
The Standard’s reporting has indicated that Ruto plans to consolidate some State Departments and reshape his Cabinet as part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and manage his government more effectively. The move would also facilitate the appointment of new PSs and a restructuring of existing roles.
During the meeting, Ruto emphasized the need for unity and a collective focus on serving Kenya. “We are one team, and we must work as one,” Ruto declared. “It’s not about your friends; it’s about Kenya.”
However, the Ruto ally now offered clarity on the matter stating, “In fact, what we’re getting is that the conversation was a bonding session for the newly appointed CSs and the presidential status of the now broad-based government and so I don’t think that issue is yet to be in the cards as of now because we’re looking at settling down from where we came from two months ago and that is what is in everyone’s mind including the president, I don’t think it is one of the things on the table.”
Already, President Ruto’s ‘broad-based’ government has several high-ranking ODM members appointed to key positions.
Hassan Joho was nominated as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs; Wycliffe Oparanya was designated Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives; John Mbadi took the helm at the National Treasury; and Opiyo Wandayi was appointed to head the Energy and Petroleum Ministry.
These appointments marked a significant political shift, with President Ruto bringing on board allies of Raila Odinga, the opposition leader he defeated in the 2022 election. The move was seen as a bold attempt to quell the unrest that had paralysed economic activities across the country…CONTINUE READING>>
