Former CSs left out as Ruto unveils new nominees

Former Agriculture CS Mithika Lituri (Left), Former Public Service CS Moses Kuria (Right). [File, Standard]

As President Ruto announced the second group of Cabinet on Wednesday, ten former ministers made a comeback while twelve from the previous cabinet were left out.

Among those excluded is former Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u, who played a key role in planning and reading the National Budget over the past two years. Ndung'u's tenure was marked by President Ruto's decision to decline the 2024 Finance Bill.

Replacing him, Ruto has nominated ODM chairperson John Mbadi to fill the very big shoes of the Treasury docket.

Joining Ndung'u in unemployment is former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, who recently faced allegations of involvement in a fake fertilizer scandal that caused significant losses to farmers.

Despite being acquitted by Members of Parliament, Linturi will be replaced by Andrew Muhia.

Former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, who lost the 2022 Kisii governorship race to Simba Arati, is also out.

Machogu, whose tenure saw the end of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), will be replaced by Julius Ogamba if approved by Parliament.

Susan Nakhumicha, the first-time Health CS, will be replaced by Debra Mlongo. Nakhumicha's helm at Afya House saw doctors protesting for weeks to demand the fulfillment of the 2017 CBA and the posting of interns.

A shortage of children's vaccines was also recorded during her time. Additionally, she was also known for firing officers outside her department.

In the Youth and Sports Ministry, Ababu Namwamba will be replaced by Kipchumba Murkomen, if approved. Namwamba's tenure was marked by the launch of the Talanta Hela initiative, which has faced heavy criticism.

Eliud Owalo, former ICT CS remembered for launching e-Citizen and Maisha Number, will be replaced by Margaret Nyambura.

Despite her loyalty to Ruto, Aisha Jumwa’s name did not feature in the list of new Cabinet nominees. The former Gender CS, who condemned a rise in femicide during her tenure, will be replaced by Stella Soi Langat if approved.

Former Tourism CS Peninah Malonza will not be returning. She will be replaced by Rebecca Miano.

Moses Kuria, an avid supporter of Ruto, and who served in two ministries before being sacked, is also out. His tenure as Trade Minister was marked by high fuel prices, before being moved to the newly formed Public Service Ministry. Kuria will be replaced by former AG Justin Muturi.

Other CSs left out include former Water CS Zachariah Njeru, Florence Bore (Labour), and Cooperatives CS Simon Chelugui. If approved by Parliament, they will be replaced by Eric Muriithi, Alfred Mutua, and Wycliffe Oparanya respectively.