You must deliver to Kenyans, Ruto tells CSs as they are sworn into office at State House

Quoting the book of James chapter four and verse 17 in the Bible, he said, "We have already agreed on what is right and if you don't do it, you will not only miss heaven but you will also have a problem with me."

President Ruto called on his Cabinet to act within the purview of the Constitution while crafting policies and implementing the Kenya Kwanza agenda.

He cautioned the Cabinet secretaries against breaching the law, saying the country is not run at the whims of individuals but on the dictates of the law.

Ruto also called on the Cabinet to serve the people, and offer their unsolicited advice on various issues affecting Kenyans, noting that he did not have a monopoly of knowledge.

He dismissed claims by the opposition that his Cabinet had been crafted with a view of rewarding regions that overwhelmingly voted for him.

Ruto demanded that the appointees work for every Kenyan - including those who voted for his competitors.

"I know there are regional and community persuasions but I have not appointed any Cabinet for any region or any county or community but a Cabinet of Kenya. I expect you to respect your oath of office and serve all Kenyans equally," said Ruto.

The president further urged the CSs to take collective responsibility in executing their duties by counter-checking each other to ensure the government prospers.

On the relationship between the Executive and Legislature, he urged members of the National Assembly and the Senate to engage in a respectful manner devoid of witch-hunting.

He also revisited his pledge to have CSs appear before the august House for grilling.

"The Legislature has accepted us as members of the Executive to access the floor of the House so that we can explain our agenda and for legislators to provide oversight on what we are doing," said the president.

Ruto said this was in line with his desire to run an open and accountable government.

Cognizant of the arduous task ahead, the president urged the leaders to burn the midnight oil to turn the country's fortune around.

"The spouses of the Cabinet secretaries will have to bear with us because this team might have to spend the nights in office for the next couple of months until we have our plan in place," he said.

He lauded former Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua for ensuring smooth transition of governments.

During the ceremony that preceded his speech, Felix Koskei, who has replaced Mr Kinyua as Head of Public Service, was the first to take the oath of office.

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the newly sworn-in Cabinet Ministers at State House, Nairobi on October 27, 2022. [Jonah Mwangi, PPS]

Mr Koskei's swearing-in allowed him to take charge of administering the oath, calling the Cabinet Secretary appointees to the podium to swear their respective allegiances.

Prime Cabinet Secretary nominee Musalia Mudavadi was the first to take the oath of office, followed by Attorney General nominee Justin Muturi. Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki was the third to be sworn in.

The other CS nominees and the Secretary to the Cabinet appointee Mercy Wanjau followed thereafter.

Following their swearing-in, the Cabinet secretaries assumed office with immediate effect. This marked the end of an era for all CSs under former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, except for Simon Chelugui, the former Labour CS who has been retained and will take charge of Co-operatives ministry.

Various issues such as drought, education reforms, insecurity and unemployment await the 24-member Cabinet.

Focus now shifts to the appointment of principal secretaries.