RUTO'S CABINET

Kenya’s most unprecedented protests dubbed ‘Gen Z Protest’ has resulted to the most unpredictable changes in President William Ruto’s government, the most recent one being firing of the cabinet ministers. On Friday, July 19, 2024, Ruto addressed changes in his cabinet in a press briefing after a deep reflection on the relationship between fundamental rights and Democratic freedoms ‘Our collective aspirations for prosperity and efforts to secure opportunities for all and the imperative to advance national sovereignty and the security of the state in this course, the people of Kenya have expressed their views on governance development, economic management, national finances and many other aspects of our nationhood’.

His deep consultations and actions are arguably in line with the famous bottom up agenda that is set to improve livelihoods from the grass root level. He added ‘I gave the nation my undertaking to reflect at length on these issues that have been brought into sharp focus by the people of Kenya. I also promised to consult widely on the way forward and I also promised to craft a broad-based government that would harness the enormous potential in our country to turbocharge our economic transformation and to provide for inclusive growth. While the events of the past one month have caused tremendous anxiety, concern and uncertainty, the crisis has presented us with a greater opportunity as a nation to craft a broad-based an inclusive citizen coalition for national transformation and progress made up of all Kenyans from all walks of life. It cannot be denied that our nation has been in a crisis caused by multiple and complex factors, neither can we turn away from recognizing that the opportunity before us is greater than the crisis. Together we have a chance to take our country where we all want it to be and make our nation the Kenya we want. A great nation for these reasons. I have started the process of forming a new broad-based cabinet to assist in driving the urgently needed and irreversible transformation of our country’.

The following is the first batch of 11 individuals nominated and awaiting consideration and approval by the National Assembly for appointment as Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General.

1. Ministry of interior National Administration: Professor K Kiki.

2. Ministry of Health: Dr Deborah Mulongo Baraza.

3. Ministry of lands Public Works Housing and Urban Development: Alice Wahome.

4. Ministry of Education: Julius Migosi Ogamba.

5. Ministry of Defense: Aden Duale.

6. Ministry of Agriculture and livestock development: Dr Andrew Muia Karanja.

7. Ministry of environment climate change and Forestry: Hon. Tuya.

8. Ministry of Water Sanitation and irrigation: Eric Mori Muga.

9. Ministry of roads and transport: Davis Chirchir.

10. Ministry of information communication and digital economy: Dr Margaret Nyambura.

11. Attorney General: Rebeca Miano.

Here’s just a few reactions of the lucky few on their social media platforms:

Hon. Aden Duale: ‘I extend my deepest gratitude to H.E. President William Ruto for nominating me as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence. This nomination reflects the President’s and the Kenyan people’s profound trust and confidence in my ability to advance our nation’s agenda and more particularly, the national security of our nation hence contribute to its greatness. I’m ready and willing to present myself to the National Assembly relevant committee for writing and public scrutiny.’

Hon. Tuya: ‘I take this opportunity to thank H.E The President of the Republic of Kenya , William Ruto for granting me a second chance to serve our country in matters Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. I wholly commit to serve with commitment and dedication upon confirmation.’

Debra Mulongo: ‘Words cannot express how thrilled and thankful I am for this incredible opportunity. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to H.E President William Ruto for believing in my potential and offering me this role.’

Hon. Alice Wahome: ‘I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me by nominating me as Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development. This a huge responsibility, especially at this defining time of our nation. I confirm my commitment to serve Kenyans with dedication and within the rule of law.’

Consultations across the political divide on the balance of cabinet is ongoing. Appointments to be done shortly thereafter.