- Mbadi expressed gratitude to the President saying the gesture got him by surprise.
- The nominated MP said he looks forward to fully cooperating with the President and the Cabinet in revitalising the economy.
Image: FILE
Nominated MP John Mbadi has welcomed his nomination to Cabinet saying it came as a surprise.
In a statement shortly after President William Ruto named him Treasury CS nominee alongside nine others, Mbadi expressed gratitude to the President saying the gesture got him by surprise.
“The nomination has indeed come as a surprise. But above all let me thank the Almighty God for the opportunity granted,” he said.
Ruto on Wednesday unveiled the faces of his other half of the new-look Cabinet short of the Attorney General nominee and the proposed East African Community and Regional Development office holder.
Rebecca Miano, who had initially been nominated as the AG, was handed the Tourism and Wildlife docket.
The new 10 CS nominees now bring to 20 the total number of Cabinet nominees Ruto said would have the face of the nation.
Mbadi, ODM boss Raila Odinga’s ally, was named in the second batch of nominees alongside other Raila allies.
Opiyo Wandayi was handed the Energy docket, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho was named CS nominee for Mining and Wycliffe Oparanya was handed the Cooperatives docket.
Ruto also re-appointed his allies back to the Cabinet.
Former Transport and Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen was given the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Justin Muturi (Public Service), Salim Mvurya (Trade) and Alfred Mutua (Labour).
Stellah Langa't, a new face, was named the CS nominee for Gender, Culture and Heritage.
Mbadi said the lineup is not only a landmark towards national unity but also demonstrates that Ruto's vision for Kenya transcends political party lines and ethnic interests.
“May I also sincerely thank the former Prime Minister Hon Raila Odinga for his unwavering faith in me over the years and I promise the people of Kenya I'm not going to disappoint in the government's quest for effective and quality service delivery,” Mbadi said.
The nominated MP said pending his vetting and approval by the National Assembly, he looks forward to fully cooperating with the President and the Cabinet in revitalising the economy.
“Of course, I'm very much aware the task bestowed on me is not a mean assignment, especially during this time the country is experiencing deep economic challenges,” he said.
Ruto on Tuesday submitted names of the first batch of 10 CS nominees to Parliament for approval.
The first group was unveiled on July 19.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said he would forward the names and the curriculum vitae of the nominees to the Committee on Appointments of the House for consideration.
“The Committee on Appointments is expected to immediately notify the nominees and the general public, commence the necessary approval hearings and table its report in the House soonest, to enable the House to consider the nominees within the stipulated timelines,” the Speaker said.
Section 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011, requires the committee to consider the nominees and table a report in the House within 28 days.