Ruto explained that new terms and conditions have been set, with the recalled CS nominees aware of the task awaiting them in the broad-based Cabinet.
President William Ruto on Sunday, July 28 defended his decision to rehire members of the Cabinet that he had dissolved on Thursday, July 11.
Speaking during a Presidential Town Hall held in Mombasa County, the Head of State explained that new terms and conditions have been set, with the recalled CS nominees aware of the task awaiting them in the broad-based Cabinet.
“It is what it is. It was necessary to have a fresh start even with those I have brought back, yes they were my friends but they need to know we have new terms,” he responded.
President William Ruto and his Cabinet posing for a photo after a meeting on July 4, 2024. /PCS
The President also stated that one of the reasons he dissolved the cabinet was the need to dismiss the notion that his friends play key roles in the running of the government.
With regards to leaving out 12 former Cabinet Secretaries from his new-look Cabinet, Ruto termed this as the fruit of his listening to the plight of Kenyans who had criticised the previous Cabinet members for their mediocre performance. According to him, more than half his Cabinet have left.
Among the nominees Ruto recalled to his new Cabinet included Justin Muturi, Kipchumba Murkomen, Alfred Mutua, Salim Mvurya, Kithure Kindiki, Aden Duale, Davis Chirchir, Soipan Tuya, and Alice Wahome.
The reforms left 12 former CSs in the cold, such as Moses Kuria, who previously headed the Ministry of Public Service; Aisha Jumwa, formerly in charge of Gender; Njuguna Ndungu, the ex-Treasury Chief; Zachary Njeru, who managed Water; Peninah Malonza, previously overseeing Tourism; Mithika Linturi, ex-Agriculture Minister; Susan Nakhumicha, who led Health; Eliud Owalo, the former ICT chief; Ezekiel Machogu, who was in charge of Education; Simon Chelugui, previously responsible for MSMEs; Florence Bore, who managed Labour; and Ababu Namwamba, formerly at the helm of Sports.
On the nomination of four members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to his Cabinet, Ruto sided with party leader Raila Odinga’s sentiments that there was no coalition agreement struck between the government and the opposition.
“We did not form a coalition agreement with ODM. What we have is members of ODM who have agreed to come and work with us, so we can put the country first and be able to deal with the challenges that bring Kenya to where it is,” the Head of State responded, adding “We have no formal coalition!”
According to Ruto, both the Azimio faction and the Kenya Kwanza government had issues such as the development of housing and addressing the cost of living for Kenyans in their manifestos, a matter that unites them.
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.
Raila said on July 25 that the move by President Ruto to nominate four of his allies into Cabinet positions did not mean he was entering a coalition with the government.
