Kalonzo, Karua allies left out in Ruto’s CSs nominee list

Allies of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his Narc Kenya counterpart Martha Karua have been left out in President William Ruto’s latest nomination to the Cabinet.

When announcing his list of 10 nominees on Wednesday, Ruto named four key allies of Opposition chief Raila Odinga; Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), John Mbadi (National Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum)

While the President said he setting up a broad-based government, he majorly picked ODM politicians from the Opposition coalition, Azimio.

Conspicuously missing from the list were politicians from affiliate parties in Azimio.

Kalonzo and Karua, who are principals in Azimio, had objected to being part of Ruto’s administration.

Kalonzo had indicated that being part of the proposed government of national unity will be a betrayal, especially to Gen Z and millennials.

“We shall not participate in or support the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity. This is a betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who have paid the ultimate price,” he said on July 19.

“We reiterate our public position, that when it comes to siding with Gen Z and the Kenyan people versus the Kenya Kwanza regime, the decision is as obvious as day and night. We will always side and stand with the people of Kenya.”

Karua on the other hand dismissed Ruto's call for dialogue to discuss pressing national issues, calling it a move aimed at dampening Gen Z's demand for change.

Karua stated that "dialogue can only be meaningful if the players are in good faith and guided by the best interests of the people."

"Let’s be careful as the political class lest we hijack the genuine clamour for accountability and reforms by the GenZ. I agree with those who say Action Now on the clear and attainable demands of the GenZ to enhance accountability and make the state work for the masses rather than for a handful elites," Karua said.