Mixed reactions as Ruto unveils new Cabinet

Some of Ruto's new cabinet nominees. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto's announcement of 21 Cabinet Secretary nominees has sparked significant debate. His inclusion of four senior officials from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party aims to create a broad-based government.

The nominees include ODM Chairperson John Mbadi as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi for Energy and Petroleum docket, and ODM deputies Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya for Mining and Cooperatives ministries respectively.

The nominations are causing a potential rift within ODM.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna stated that the nominations were made individually, not collectively.

But, ODM lawmaker Tom Ojienda refuted this, asserting, "There is no way these four appointees would have joined the government without the nod of the Party Leader, Raila Odinga."

Ojienda praised President Ruto's decision to include opposition members, insisting that it fosters an ideology of serving the broader public. "I am happy ODM and UDA are now working together," he added.

Hassan Joho, the nominee for Mining, expressed his gratitude to President Ruto in a post on X. Joho, who has been away from political limelight vowed to serve diligently if approved by Parliament.

"It is with great humility and profound appreciation that I accept my nomination by President Ruto for the position of Cabinet Secretary of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs," he wrote.

"Upon confirmation, I look forward to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the Blue Economy, Mining, and Maritime sectors take a leading role in the socio-economic transformation of our nation."

However, some, like Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, feel betrayed.

Kibwana argued that involving the opposition in government diminishes its role. "What the country is witnessing is a repetition of what Raila Odinga has done in previous governments, the ‘handshake’," he said.

Azimio co-principal Martha Karua echoed his sentiment, insisting, "I cannot serve this government with President Ruto. I already served the government and don't want to be involved again. I am serving the Kenyan people perfectly from where I am."

Thousands of kilometers from the capital, Homabay and Mombasa county residents celebrated the nominations, particularly because John Mbadi, if approved, would be the first from Homabay to serve as a Cabinet Secretary.

Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi also welcomed the nominations, seeing them as a formal acceptance of ODM's collaboration with the government.

Ochanda noted, "We are not even sorry we've been working with the government since last year. Today, we are extremely happy that the ODM party has formally accepted to be part of this Cabinet."

Omondi noted the importance of addressing the issues that have sparked protests among Kenyans, led by Generation Z.

"We hope this opportunity afforded to them will lead to a more inclusive government and a realization of some of our objectives as expressed in our party manifesto," he stated.

What Kenyans said on Social Media

On social media, young Kenyans felt cheated.  

So ODM gets 4 or so slots. Who said that is what we as the citizens want.
Some people here served their time and they should rest and give the competent youth space to work.
What criteria was used here? #cabinetsecretaries#Happeningnow #jkia
Poster Credit @KBCChannel1 pic.twitter.com/1a4FEOKSg6 — Allan Simbi (@allansimbi) July 24, 2024

Political analyst David Makali argued that the nominations do not meet the regional balance required by the 2010 Constitution.

"Have been restraining myself but let me let this off my chest: Western (as in Luhya nation) generally got hooves of the Cabinet. The steak was shared by Mt Kenya and R/Valley. But don't we love positions?" he posed.

Netizens like Muchiri Guchiri held a contrary opinion; "President William Ruto's bold move to dismiss all former Cabinet Secretaries and consequently appointing a ‘broad-based Cabinet’ which represents the true face of Kenya, is clear proof that he is ready to step on any toes necessary for Kenya to make progress," he wrote on X.

The decision on who will assume the nominated roles now lies with the National Assembly, which is expected to conduct vetting between August 1 and August 4. Those approved will then be sworn in.