Uhuru Allies Dominate Ruto's New Cabinet Appointments

President William Ruto has reinstated several former allies of ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta into his administration.

This strategic move follows the dismissal of two Cabinet Secretaries, as announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. The changes are intended to bolster service delivery in alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Among the key appointments, former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has been nominated to take over the Agriculture docket, succeeding Andrew Karanja, who has been reassigned as Kenya's Ambassador to Brazil.

Additionally, Lee Kinyanjui, the former Nakuru Governor, will now lead the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, filling the position left vacant by Salim Mvurya, who is transitioning to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. The reshuffle also highlights the appointment of former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo to the Ministry of ICT, taking over from Margaret Ndung’u, who is now Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.

Kipchumba Murkomen, a close ally of President Ruto, will manage the significant Interior Ministry, previously overseen by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The Gender docket remains unfilled following the rejection of nominee Stella Soi by Members of Parliament in August, with Majority Leader Kimani Ichunga citing her insufficient understanding of the role.

Koskei reiterates that the reshuffle intends to improve service delivery in line with the administration’s refreshed agenda. With Parliament currently in recess, it will reconvene to vet and vote on the new nominations.
Insiders report that President Ruto aims to enter 2025 with a renewed cabinet in a bid to address performance concerns related to various ministers.

Former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi has been appointed to chair the Kenya Revenue Authority board, reflecting an effort to consolidate support from the Mt Kenya region, which has shown signs of distancing itself from the President following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Other notable appointments include former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi and former Justice Principal Secretary Dorothy Angote as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe. Additionally, former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura will chair the board of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital.