Ruto revealed that the appointments were aimed at ending the political division that had existed in the country.
President William Ruto on Thursday, July 25 urged Kenyans to embrace the broad-based government despite the uproar that ensued when he named members from the opposing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party into his Cabinet.
While addressing the residents of Tharaka Nithi, the Head of State revealed that the appointments were aimed at ending the political division that had existed in the country.
According to the President, the new-look government would help unite the country and eliminate the biased leadership in Kenya which has for so long manifested into fights ranging from petty to serious.
President William Ruto alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the announcement of new Cabinet nominees at State House on July 19, 2024. /PCS
“Yesterday I formed a government that will unite all Kenyans because I decided that there is no need to have squabbles again. Don’t we want to pay taxes and debts together?” Ruto posed.
“Let us come together and build one government that will serve the people of Kenya and bring development to the country.”
In his rallying call for unity, Ruto called for an end to anti-government demonstrations, saying they were ruining the country’s progress.
According to Ruto, criminal elements had infiltrated the peaceful protests and turned them violent by damaging properties and engaging in theft and robbery.
“I urge you Kenyans, no need of destroying our country, no need of demonstrations and killing one another. Let us not destroy Kenya. Let us safeguard the country and bring development,” Ruto urged the residents of Tharaka Nithi.
Barely 24 hours ago, Ruto nominated the second batch of Cabinet Secretaries, bringing the total number of nominees to 20, pending the nomination of the Attorney General and the EAC Cabinet Secretary. The picks on Wednesday consisted of a healthy number drawn from ODM.
The Head of State while addressing the press at State House in Nairobi, nominated ODM’s John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) Ali Hassan Joho to Mining and Wycliffe Oparanya to the Ministry of Co-operatives.
However, the move led to criticism, especially from some ODM supporters who felt that its party leader, Raila Odinga, had deserted them when they needed him the most.
Earlier assertions by the party had revealed that its members would not accept any ministerial appointments from President Ruto.
Raila Odinga speaking during a press briefing on April 11, 2024. /CALEB AMISI
