Lobbying for Cabinet posts intensifies

The recently dissolved Cabinet during one of its meetings.  [PHOTO: file/STANDARD]

By  Vitalis Kimutai

Nairobi; Kenya; Delay in release of names said to have been caused by bid to accommodate new partners in Jubilee

obbying for Cabinet positions has gone a notch higher in the corridors of power ahead of the expected unveiling of a new team by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.

Uhuru and Ruto are today set to host Jubilee Members of Parliament and Senators at State House where holders of key positions in both Houses will be named ahead of unveiling of the Cabinet.

Power brokers and influential businessmen close to Uhuru and Ruto are reportedly lobbying to have particular people to be appointed to the key positions in Government after the disbanding of theCabinet that was appointed by former President Mwai Kibaki.

Garissa Town MP Aden Duale, who is set to officially be named the Majority Leader in Parliament, said that the principals had from day one of their being sworn in settled down to working on a list of professionals for the various key positions in Government.

“Uhuru and Ruto are not wasting any time in office, their hands are full as the country awaits them to unveil the new cabinet. I can tell you for sure that it is only the two who know the people they will entrust into key positions in Government and Kenyans will not be disappointed when the announcement is made,” Duale said.

Fresh faces

The position of Senate Majority Leader, according to multiple sources, will go to Tharaka Nithi Senator  Kithure Kindiki a close ally of both Ruto and Uhuru.

Kindiki, a lawyer represents Ruto at The Hague and was one of the lawyers representing Uhuru in the election petition at the Supreme Court.

But, what is said to have caused the delay in unveiling the team is the attempt not only to get fresh faces for the positions but also to accommodate losers in the last General Election and technocrats allied to the small parties that have signed post-election deals with TNA and URP under the Jubilee Coalition.

 “Accommodating youthful professionals and women in the cabinet is an issue that the two principals are keen on as they seek to craft a team with the ability to deliver on the Jubilee manifesto in the shortest time possible,” Bureti MP Leonard Sang said.

Sang said regional balancing and gender parity is expected to be factored in the forming of the new Cabinet by Uhuru and Ruto.

Parties that have joined the Jubilee include Amani Coalition which includes Kanu under the chairmanship of Baringo County Senator Gideon Moi, New Ford Kenya led by former Constitutional Affairs Minister Eugene Wamalwa,United Democratic Forum whose leader is former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

Other are Kenya National Congress led by former presidential contender Peter Kenneth and Alliance Party of Kenya, whose leader is Meru County Senator Kiraitu Murungi.

“Uhuru and Ruto are keen on including leaders and technocrats from regions that did not vote for them in the last General Election in a bid to project a national outlook as they seek to heal the rift following the Presidential outcome,” Keiyo South MP Jackson Kiptanui said.

Former assistant minister Kareke Mbiuki said that the two had made a pledge to the people that they are ready to serve both those who voted for them and those who didnt in the last poll.

Diplomatic postings

A number of former Cabinet ministers, who were defeated in the last general election, are also lobbying to be included in the new Government under a new constitutional order.

Some of the former ministers expected to be appointed to various positions are: Najib Balala, Charity Ngilu, Chirau Mwakwere, Samuel Poghisio, Njeru Githae, Amos Kimunya and Sam Ongeri, among others.

Sources in the corridors of power said that a number of former ministers may get diplomatic postings as opposed to being appointed as Cabinet Secretaries because Kenyans were keen on having a new team to steer the country’s affairs.

In the URP side, former assistant minister James Koskei is said to be a front runner for a Cabinetposition.

“The former Kuresoi MP has been Ruto’s close ally and he enjoys goodwill from the community, a section of professionals and businessmen. As compared to other contenders for the position, he does not have a tainted past,” said a source close to both Uhuru and Ruto.

URP Secretary General Davis Chirchir, another key Ruto ally, is also expecting to be appointed to theCabinet.All the nominees for Cabinet positions will have to undergo rigorousvetting process by the National Assembly as required by the Constitution.

Mr William Oduol, who contested the Governor post in Siaya County is also said to be among those who have been listed alongside Nairobi-based publisher Andrew Sunkuli, who contested the Senate position in Narok County but was defeated by URP’s Stephen Ole Ntutu.

Ditched plan

Kericho Senator Charles Keter  was initially  rumoured as planning to resign to be appointed to the Cabinet but has since ditched the plan owing to reluctance by the President and his Deputy to occasion a by-election.

Keter has since stated that he was contended with his position and applauded voters in Kericho County for entrusting him with the leadership position while at the same time denying media reports that he was among those arm-twisting the principals in appointments.

Uhuru is said to be keen on having Dr Mugo Kibati, the Vision 2030 Director General, Barclays Bank Chief Executive Aden Mohamed, Transport Permanent Secretary Cyrus Njiru, former Wajir Central MP Abdikadir Mohamed in the new Cabinet.