By VITALIS KIMUTAI
Politicians eyeing vacant Cabinet posts are crossing their fingers as President Kibaki and Premier Raila Odinga are said to be awaiting the outcome of the September 17 by-elections in Kangema, Kajiado North and Ndhiwa constituencies to decide on how fill the slots.
The Cabinet slots fell vacant following the demise of former Environment minister John Michuki (MP, Kangema), Internal Security minister George Saitoti (MP, Kajiado Northe) and his assistant minister Orwa Ojode (MP, Ndhiwa).
A delicate regional balancing act is also said to have caused the delay because the principals are working on a team that would also play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition after the next General Election.
Kibaki and Raila were, a few weeks ago, expected to announce a Cabinet reshuffle with indications they had agreed on a line up.
Sources privy to what is happening at State House and the PM’s office gave indications the principals may be awaiting the results of the by-elections before deciding on who to fill the slots.
No deal yet
“MPs who expected to reap from the reshuffle may have to wait a little bit longer before getting to know whether or not they are in the principals’ good books,” a source indicated.
Another source, however, claimed contrary to what has been carried in the media, Kibaki and Raila were yet to meet and make a decision on the matter.
“The principals have not met to discuss any matter relating to the much-publicised reshuffle. Perhaps, that will happen in the coming weeks,” the source, who is not authorised to speak to the media, said.
The reshuffle, when it finally comes, will lead to the appointment of substantive ministers for Internal Security, Industrialisation and that of Local Government.
Defence Minister Yusuf Hajji, who is acting in the Internal Security docket, is said to be a favourite candidate in the corridors of power for appointment in a substantive capacity.
