Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga
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The recent release of a shortlist of candidates for Principal Secretaries (PSs) by the Public Service Commission (PSC) has generated considerable apprehension among existing officeholders within President William Ruto's administration.
This shortlist, which reportedly favours individuals aligned with ODM leader Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, may signal a significant reshaping of the government as President Ruto seeks to diversify his team beyond the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. Among the 109 shortlisted candidates are prominent figures such as former Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu, ex-MPs Wilson Sossion, Abdullahi Diriye, Fatuma Ibrahim Ali, Andrew Toboso, and Ahmed Ibrahim.
Additionally, the list includes former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu, recognized as a close ally of Raila Odinga. The shortlist also features former Principal Secretaries from Kenyatta's administration, including Dr. Nicholas Muraguri, Micah Powon, and Dr. Isaac Kaberia. Other notable candidates are Dr. Patrick Amoth, the current Director General for Health, and Dr. Andrew Mulwa, who briefly acted as the CEO of the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency.
The inclusion of Dr. Mulwa is particularly noteworthy due to his testimony against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during his impeachment hearings. Additional prominent names on the list include former Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union Secretary General Fredrick Ouma Oluga, former Chief Administrative Secretary David Osianyi, and former Independent Police Oversight Authority board chair Anne Makori. The list also highlights the involvement of influential online personality Gabriel Oguda associated with ODM.
In total, the PSC received 2,517 applications for the PS positions. However, several notable figures were not included in the shortlist, such as former PS for Labour and Social Protection Nelson Marwa, former Jubilee nominated Senator Mary Yiane, former ODM nominated MP Dennitah Ghati, and former Kipkelion East MP Joseph Limo, who had initially been appointed as Chief Administrative Secretary until judicial intervention annulled his appointment.
Former PS for Youth and Public Service, Lilian Omollo, who faced removal due to the National Youth Service scandal but was subsequently exonerated by the courts, also applied but did not make the shortlist. Other notable applicants not selected include Prof. Gitie Niatuli, a former Commissioner at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, and Kisumu Governor aspirant Dr. Hezron Mcobewa.
The PSC announced these vacancies on November 20, 2024, inviting applications as part of President Ruto's strategy to establish a more inclusive government. The President's approach has resulted in the integration of allies from both the opposition and the past administration into key governmental roles, a move intensified by nationwide protests from Generation Z and the subsequent impeachment of Gachagua.
In the planned government reshuffle, President Ruto aims to accommodate new partners from ODM while ensuring that those who remain post-Gachagua have demonstrated loyalty. Reports suggest that Raila Odinga has been assured of at least ten Principal Secretary slots.