President William Ruto is set to swear in 19 new Cabinet Secretaries at State House Nairobi on Thursday, August 8, defying a planned wave of protests sweeping the capital.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The swearing-in ceremony is set to occur just 27 days after President Ruto dismissed all but one of his former Cabinet Secretaries, signalling a swift overhaul of his administration. The announcement follows the National Assembly’s recent approval of 19 Cabinet nominees, with one rejection.
The National Assembly approved the report from the Committee on Appointments, endorsing 19 of the 20 Cabinet nominees while rejecting Stella Lang’at, who was proposed for the Gender docket. The decision came after intense debates and last-minute withdrawal of an amendment aimed at saving Lang’at’s nomination.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been serving as the Acting Cabinet Secretary across all vacant ministries since the reshuffle was announced. His temporary role, formalised through a Gazette Notice, has been a significant aspect of the Cabinet’s interim management.
The House’s approval of the nominees marks a significant shift in President Ruto’s administration, reflecting his intent to revitalise his government amidst public scrutiny and unrest. The approval came despite objections from various MPs regarding the new appointments.
Homabay Town MP Peter Kaluma was vocal in his defence of Lang’at, arguing for her inclusion based on her service record. “Let’s not judge her for failing to define one word called femicide. This lady will deliver,” Kaluma said, urging MPs to reconsider their stance.
On the other hand, Eldas MP Adan Keynan warned the incoming Cabinet members against excess and misuse of office. “Humility is not a sign of cowardice. We must avoid the opulence that has tainted previous administrations,” Keynan advised.
Tiaty MP Kassait Kamket viewed the current situation as an opportunity for President Ruto to reorient his administration. “The recent protests have given the President a chance to correct his course,” Kamket noted.
MP Beatrice Elachi, representing Dagoretti North, advised the new appointees to align closely with the President’s agenda. “They are here to serve Kenyans and support the President, not to act independently,” Elachi emphasised.
While some MPs like Funyula’s Oundo Ojiambo chose to support the vetting committee’s report despite reservations, others like Makueni MP Susan Ndunge expressed disappointment with the Cabinet reshuffle. “I feel cheated. It’s disappointing to see that many previous members are still in place,” Ndunge remarked, criticising the lack of youth representation.
The newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries include Kindiki Kithure (Interior), Deborah Barasa (Health), Alice Wahome (Lands), Julius Migos (Education), and Soipan Tuya (Defence), among others. The diverse mix of new and returning faces is expected to steer various key ministries as President Ruto moves forward with his reform agenda...CONTINUE READING>>
