Azimio Reportedly to Get 7 CS Positions in Ruto’s New Cabinet Amid Opposition Rift, Details Emerge . IMAGE | Courtesy
In Summary:
1) Raila Odinga’s alignment with President William Ruto results in the opposition gaining Cabinet positions.
2) President William Ruto is reportedly offering 7 Cabinet Secretary positions to the opposition Azimio La Umoja coalition.
3) This move has caused division within the opposition, with Raila Odinga’s ODM party seeking to claim the majority of the offered positions.
The Kenyan opposition, led by Raila Odinga, is poised to join President William Ruto’s government as he reshapes his National Executive following the dismissal of the entire Cabinet on June 11.
Insiders from State House have hinted that the Azimio La Umoja faction, headed by Odinga, will benefit significantly in the new Cabinet appointments.
With the number of Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) remaining at 22, Azimio has been allocated seven positions, four of which are being vigorously pursued by Odinga’s ODM party.
“Lobbying has started for the new CSs. Raila has been given 4 slots, he’s fronting Joho, Oparanya, and little known Kevin Alusa,” an insider revealed to this publication.
This move has caused discord within the opposition, as other member parties are hesitant to engage with the government and are considering independent paths without Raila.
Additionally, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who was not affected by the recent purge, has been granted two positions.
Mudavadi is contemplating three candidates for these roles: his confidante and former ANC secretary general Simon Gikuru, Vihiga businessman and Ruto ally Alex Kidake, and politician Adagala.
There is also speculation about the potential return of Aden Duale and Mithika Linturi, who previously served in the Defence and Agriculture ministries, respectively, before the Cabinet was dissolved.
The remaining slots will be distributed between President Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Attention will be on Gachagua’s supporters, especially given some allies’ insistence on securing no fewer than eight Cabinet positions for Mt Kenya region.