Ruto nominates Murkomen as Interior CS
Kipchumba Murkomen currently holds the Sports docket
8d agoPERPETUA ETYANGRealtime
Politicians across the political divide have reacted to President William Ruto's third Cabinet change since winning the presidency in 2022.
President Ruto on Thursday named some of Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's allies into the Cabinet days after their Ichaweri meeting.
Those picked included former Health CS Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture and Livestock), Ex-Kiambu Governor William Kabogo (ICT) and former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui (Trade and Industry ).
Former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen was moved from the Sports docket and reassigned to the influential Interior and National Administration ministry.
Salim Mvurya was moved from the Trade and Industry docket and named the new CS for Sports, Creative Economy in Ruto's latest cabinet changes.
Reacting to the changes, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah welcomed the reshuffle saying he now expects the CSs to deliver on the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
"We now await your vetting and approval process and if successful, we look forward to your service to deliver on the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda(BETA),'' Ichung'wah said.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika said the people of Nakuru were proud of the nomination of Kinyanjui to the Cabinet.
She said the latest changes demonstrated President Ruto's broad-based approach in tackling challenges Kenyans are facing.
"I am confident that you will utilise your networks and expertise to champion growth and investment in our nation. Wishing you every success as you take on this transformative role in service to our great country,'' Kihika said on her X account.
"This is indeed a proud moment for Nakuru County. On behalf of the people of Nakuru, I thank H. E President William Ruto for this appointment which is a testament to his vision for a united and inclusive government."
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, a critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, faulted President Ruto for snubbing the gender docket which has not had a CS.
"Congratulations to the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries, However, we have been waiting for the appointment of the CS to be in charge of the Ministry of Gender since July 5, 2024,'' Wamuchomba said.
"How can the new femicide task force function without a CS?'' she posed.
President Ruto had nominated Stella Lang'at as the Gender CS when he unveiled his Second Cabinet but the nominee was rejected by MPs.
The President is yet to pick her replacement since then, opting to leave the docket vacant amid reports that the ministry could have been scrapped and made a department in the public service portfolio.
Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma wondered why the new Cabinet slots for Retired president Uhuru's camp were all from the Mt Kenya region.
The ODM lawmaker termed the move unfortunate and a continuation of the tribal card saying the Orange party always endeavours to ensure a national face in the sharing of any slots.
"Ruto gave Gachagua six Cabinet Secretary slots, he appointed all from Mt Kenya. Ruto gives Uhuru slots in government, he appoints all from Mt Kenya. Whatever ODM gets, it shares across the Nation,'' Kaluma wrote on his X platform.
"I hope a time will come in my lifetime when all of us will live under Article 10 of the Constitution and see Kenya beyond their home regions, like Baba."
On his part, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, also a member of ODM, cautioned Raila's allies to be wary of what he alleged were machinations to play Raila.
