President William Ruto is expected to drop at least
four Cabinet Secretaries to make way for allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga as
he moves to consolidate his government.
More of Raila’s loyalists are likely to be appointed
to powerful Cabinet positions following last week’s cooperation agreement, amid
signs of a potential joint plan for 2027.
Insiders indicate that the Cabinet reshuffle could
take place by Friday, a week after President Ruto signed a significant political
pact with Raila.
It is understood that more political heavyweights are
expected to benefit.
Reports suggest that at least 14 Principal Secretaries
may also be dismissed to create room for individuals aligned with the former
Prime Minister.
The Public Service Commission completed interviews for
PS positions three weeks ago and submitted a list of top candidates to
President Ruto.
However, he has
delayed the appointments while solidifying his agreement with Raila.
Several of Raila’s close allies were among those interviewed
for PS positions, alongside known government loyalists.
Last Friday’s pact between Ruto and Raila outlined a
ten-point agenda focused on national unity and governance reforms.
While power-sharing was not explicitly mentioned, it
is understood that Raila’s allies will be integrated into government roles.
ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, the
highest-ranking party official without a Cabinet position, is among those
likely to be appointed.
His nomination is expected to reward the Gusii region—one
of Raila’s strongholds—which did not benefit from the initial five ministerial
slots granted to Raila’s camp.
Bosire, who previously declined an appointment as
chairperson of the National Transport Authority (NTSA), is seen as a key figure
in countering the influence of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and former
Chief Justice David Maraga in Gusii politics.
Both Matiang’i and Maraga are rumoured to be potential
presidential contenders in 2027, posing a challenge to Raila’s grip on the
region.
Other names being floated for Cabinet positions
include former Foreign Affairs CS Raphael Tuju, ex-CS Peter Munya or former
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi to cover the Meru region.
Additionally, Raila is expected to allocate a Cabinet
slot to the Maa and the Somali communities as part of efforts to
strengthen his support base.
Regions likely to benefit from new PS appointments
include Maa areas, Bondo, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Kakamega, the Coast, and North
Eastern Kenya.
A senior Kenya Kwanza official told the Star that the
Cabinet changes could be announced anytime between Wednesday and Friday.
“An announcement is expected between Wednesday and
Friday evening,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
Raila, who already secured five Cabinet positions, is
expected to gain at least three more ministerial slots as Ruto undertakes a
major shake-up, which could see underperforming CSs replaced.
Health CS Debora Barasa’s fate remains
uncertain, with some insiders suggesting she may be reassigned to a less
prestigious ministry to allow for the return of Mutahi Kagwe to the health
docket.
Kagwe's anticipated exit from the Agriculture
portfolio is expected to be taken up by either Munya or Kiraitu.
Speculation is growing that Barasa could be among
those affected as Ruto accommodates more of Raila’s allies in the Cabinet.
Public Service CS Justin Muturi, who has become a
vocal critic of the government, along with Water CS Eric Muriithi Muuga, is
expected to be dropped.
The anticipated reshuffle will not only introduce new
faces but also involve a significant realignment of existing ministers to make
room for Raila’s allies.
Following last year’s Gen Z protests, which led to
Ruto dissolving his Cabinet, Raila’s camp was allocated five key ministerial
portfolios to help stabilise the government.
These include John Mbadi (National Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) and Beatrice Askul (East African Affairs).
The looming reshuffle has sparked anxiety,
particularly among PSs perceived to be aligned with former Deputy President
Rigathi Gachagua.
Those accused of underperformance are also at risk as Ruto
looks to bring in new allies, including those linked to opposition leader Raila
Odinga.
