In a move that underscores the political tensions gripping Kenya, 19 persons nominated for cabinet positions are set to be sworn in at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam announced the planned swearing-in ceremony while inviting members of the fourth estate to cover the event.
The swearing-in follows a contentious approval process in Parliament on Wednesday evening, where lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to endorse the nominations of 19 individuals while rejecting Stella Soi Langat for the position of Gender Cabinet Secretary.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula facilitated the voting process, with MPs voicing strong support for the approved nominees.
“Having called all those 19 names, I put the question as many of that opinion say ‘I’,” Wetang’ula prompted, receiving a unified response from MPs in favour of the nominees.
“The ‘Ies’ have it,” he declared, confirming the appointments.
The rejection of Langat’s nomination was not without dispute.
Some MPs challenged the verbal poll, asserting there were equal ‘Ies’ and ‘Neys’.
However, Wetang’ula maintained that the majority voted against Langat’s appointment.
The voting in Parliament paved the way for the swearing-in of the 19 persons nominated as Cabinet Secretaries (CSs).
Nane nane protests
However, the upcoming swearing-in ceremony at State House will proceed under the cloud of the nane nane protests, a significant demonstration reflecting widespread social and political discontent.
The nane nane protests are named after the Swahili term for ‘eight eight’ implying the eighth month of the year (August) and eight for date 8.
The planned demonstrations highlight the challenges and opposition facing the new Cabinet Secretaries as they prepare to assume their roles.
All eyes would certainly be on Kithure Kindiki, the man tasked with Kenya’s internal security.
Kenyans are keen to see how Kindiki deals with the anti-government protests henceforth once he is sworn in as Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary.