•Chances of the lot coming back to Cabinet are slim.
•President Ruto has indicated he'd shop for a new crop of ministers.
Image: FILE
Four former MPs suffered a twin blow in the latest move by President William Ruto to dissolve his Cabinet in response to the agitation for reforms by youthful protesters.
The four include Kipchumba Murkomen, Aden Duale, Alice Wahome and Environment’s Soipan Tuya.
Murkomen had been elected and sworn in as Elgeyo Marakwet Senator as at the time of his appointment.
He had successfully defended his seat against former governor Alex Tolgos with more than 140,000 votes, describing the results as the best ever in his political career.
Duale also left the Garissa Township MP seat after a third-time consecutive win.
He beat Abdullahi Mohamoud with more than 4,000 votes.
He was then appointed Cabinet Secretary for Defense as Ruto moved to reward those who stood with him when he faced tribulations in the Jubilee administration.
Alice Wahome was elected Kandara MP but abandoned the seat for the Water ministry after taking oath as MP.
As at the time of her sacking on Thursday, she had been shuffled to the Lands ministry.
She was replaced by Chege Njuguna of who vied on UDA.
Tuya had been sworn in as a nominated Senator by the time Ruto plucked her for a Cabinet role.
She had served as Narok Woman Representative for 10 years and did not defend the seat in the last election.
“Anything that paves the way for the best interest of our Nation, at this point in time, is preeminent,” she said after her sacking.
Following their sacking the lot has been taken to the drawing board, unless they make a comeback in the anticipated new Cabinet.
They stand to lose not only their portfolios but the benefits that come with them, including handsome salaries and allowances.
With the President having signalled plans to form a government of national unity, it is argued that it will be difficult for the dismissed CSs to make a comeback.
Pundits say even those who may make it back may not be appointed to the same portfolios, considering new players are likely to be brought on board.
Political observers opine that even if they are to seek reelection, the ground has already shifted a great deal and is heavily polluted by the anti-government campaign.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji said with the standards set for the new Cabinet, it will be difficult for the lot to survive.
“We are at a point where the boss is listening to people. The approval of the new team will heavily depend on what Gen Zs will accept,” he said.
There are reports that Ruto could only go for a few professionals or experts to help him deliver his agenda to Kenyans.
The majority could be experienced politicians and regional figureheads who will help support his government for the next three years.
"I will consult across different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans, both in public and private, over a new government," Ruto said.
Cabinet Secretaries earn more than Sh1.12 million besides other benefits and trappings of power that come with the office.
Unlike MPs who have a bit of security of tenure, CSs serve at the mercy of the appointing authority. The role also has no lucrative exit benefits.