Revealed: Possible Fresh Faces in Ruto Cabinet Reshuffle
FA cabinet reshuffle is on the horizon as President William Ruto considers splitting the Roads and Transport docket to address competing political interests and balance the administration.
This potential reshuffle would also see the President fill the vacant Interior and National Administration portfolio. Reports suggest the Roads and Transport docket, currently held by Davis Chirchir, may be divided while the Gender and Culture docket could be eliminated to adhere to the constitutional requirement of having 14 to 22 ministries.
Sources from State House reveal plans to merge the State Department of Gender with the Public Service and Human Capital Development docket, while the Department of Culture could be moved under the Tourism Ministry. A source noted, “We had expected the changes to be made as early as last week. Chances are the announcement would be made anytime.”
The Interior docket has remained vacant since Prof. Kithure Kindiki’s elevation to Deputy President, and the Gender docket has been unoccupied after the rejection of Stella Soi’s nomination by MPs. Davis Chirchir, a trusted ally of President Ruto, is reportedly a strong contender for the Interior docket.
Mr. Chirchir previously served in the Energy and Petroleum Ministry before being assigned his current role, which was viewed as a promotion. Other potential candidates for the Interior post include Belgut MP Nelson Koech and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is holding the position temporarily. However, President Ruto may avoid appointing Mt Kenya region leaders to this role to prevent empowering former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Environment CS Aden Duale, who transitioned from the Defense docket, is also vying for the Interior position. Additionally, insiders suggest President Ruto is keen to ensure ethnic diversity within the National Security Council, which currently has three members from the Mt Kenya region.
Speculation is rife that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ally, Mutahi Kagwe, might join the Cabinet, possibly overseeing Transport and Roads if the docket is split. Kagwe’s reputation for managing the Health Ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic has been highlighted as a key strength.
The President might also reappoint Eliud Owalo, who made significant contributions during his tenure in the ICT docket, including the digitization of government services. Owalo now oversees public service performance and delivery units, reflecting his continued value to the administration.
Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the closure of applications for vacant Principal Secretary positions by December 4, signaling further changes in executive ranks. Allies of Rigathi Gachagua are reportedly under scrutiny and could be replaced in this reshuffle.
This reshuffle, part of President Ruto’s broader strategy, aims to balance political interests while maintaining administrative efficiency.
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Revealed: Possible Fresh Faces in Ruto Cabinet Reshuffle
