Several leaders have expressed their opinions following President William Ruto's announcement of the second batch of his Cabinet nominees. On July 11, Ruto dissolved his Cabinet, relieving all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General of their duties. Last week, he introduced the first set of 10 Cabinet Secretaries, with 11 positions remaining vacant, as Prime CS and CS for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi had already been appointed.
In his Wednesday address to the nation, President Ruto nominated 10 new CSs for the remaining Cabinet positions. The nominations included Kipchumba Murkomen for the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Rebecca Miano for the Ministry of Tourism, Justin Muturi for the Ministry of Public Service, Salim Mvurya for the Ministry of Trade, and Alfred Mutua for the Ministry of Labour. Additionally, Ruto nominated figures associated with Opposition leader Raila Odinga: Hassan Joho for the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy, Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives and MSME Development, John Mbadi for the Ministry of National Treasury, and Opiyo Wandayi for the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
The nominations have elicited mixed reactions from leaders and citizens alike. Some have celebrated the new appointments, while others have expressed dissatisfaction. Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua responded on X, emphasizing the ongoing struggle: "Let every person stand by the courage of their convictions #AlutaContinua."
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Lawyer Donald Kipkorir expressed frustration over opposition members joining the Cabinet, suggesting that it is now up to Kenyans to hold the government accountable. He stated, "Now that ODM has joined the government, together with UDA (Kenya Kwanza), they now own the success or failure of the Kenya Project! It is now left to Gen Z, Kalonzo Musyoka, the Media (thee yonder, the 4th Estate), and the High Court (Constitutional and Judicial Review Divisions) to be the loyal opposition to hold the government to account."
Former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita remarked on the apparent disconnect from reality with the new Cabinet nominations, questioning whether it was a case of cognitive dissonance within ODM. He expressed concern for the country's future, particularly for young people: "I can’t for the life of me surmise how this complete disconnection from reality came about. Is it a case of cognitive dissonance within ODM or what? From the frying pan into the fire. I pray for Kenya and I pray for our young people that they see the future they so genuinely deserve in this lifetime."
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nasir extended congratulations to Hassan Joho following his nomination as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. In a tweet, Nassir praised Joho's dedication, leadership, and vision, expressing confidence that he would excel in his new role upon confirmation by the National Assembly. He added, "Your passion for public service and your ability to bring positive change will undoubtedly make a significant impact. Congratulations once again, and may your tenure as Waziri be filled with success and fulfillment."
