President William Ruto has named his final list of Cabinet Secretaries, and as expected, Raila Odinga presented the names of his close lieutenants to take seats in the Kenya Kwanza government, effectively leaving the county without an opposition. Left out are Azimio allies who categorically stated they would not be part of the Kenya Kwanza regime and their places were taken by Raila’s associates as they made good their threat to leave the group and join government.
Also left out are Moses Kuria, Nakhumicha, Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, Ababu Namwamba, John Chelugui, Aisha Jumwa, and Penina Malonza.
The Cabinet seems to be a preparation for Ruto’s 2027 campaign as he brought in four ODM political stalwarts into the Cabinet, which is expected to soften the ground in Luo Nyanza and Coast when Raila Odinga will not be standing for election as President. But it will not be celebration in the Mount Kenya region, which seems to have lost out in the nominations and Deputy President Rgathi Gacagua will certainly start counting his days as Ruto’s No. 2.
Here are the names:
1. John Mbadi Ng’ong;o – ODM – National Treasury and economic Planning
2. Salim Mvurya – UDA – Trade and Industry
3. Rebecca Miano – UDA – Tourism
4. Opiyo Wandayi – ODM – Energy
5. Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen – UDA – Youth Affairs & Sports
6. Ali Hassan Joho – ODM – Mining
7. Alfred Mutua – UDA/CCM- Labour
8. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya – ODM – Cooperatives
9. Justin Muturi – UDA – Public Service
10. Stella Soi – UDA – Gender & Culture