Political rewards through government appointments continue as close political confidants and mobilisers of president William Ruto and ODM’s Raila Odinga whose party has since been co-opted by the Kenya Kwanza administration through the Broad-Based Government arrangement continue in what is widely seen as realignment in the run-up to the 2027 presidential polls.
In the latest appointments, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa, Ruto’s close ally and Silas Jakakimba, a long-time aide to Raila, have been named in a fresh wave of state appointments.
Echesa has been appointed chairperson of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health for a two-year term ending on May 18, 2026.
Labour and Social Protection CS Alfred Mutua announced the appointment in a gazette notice dated November 29, 2024 stating that Echesa will hold the position until May 2026.
Echesa, who serves as the Chairman of the Kenya Water Tower Agency, will replace former Bura MP Ali Wario, whose appointment has been revoked.
Wario had been appointed to the role by former Labour CS Florence Bore.
“In exercise of powers conferred by Sections 28(1) and (2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection appoints Rashid Echesa to be the chairperson.” A gazette notice dated November 29, 2024 reads in part.
Jakakimba, who decamped from ODM to president Ruto’s UDA in March 2024, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of South Nyanza Sugar Company. He replaces Eric Osenya, whose appointment was revoked.
“In exercise of powers conferred by Section 6 (1) (e) of the State Corporations Act, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development appoints Silas Jakakimba as a member of the Board of Directors, with effect from November 29, 2024.” Read Agriculture CS Andrew Mwihia’s notice.
Meanwhile, former Kisumu Mayor Samuel Onyango Okello has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority.
Information CS Margaret Nyambura confirmed Okello’s appointment, replacing Phillip Nyakwaka Olero, whose term was revoked.
Similarly, President William Ruto has appointed retired Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Jofidha Otieno Makowenga as the Chairperson of the Kenya Space Agency Board, for a period of three years, with effect from November 29.
Munanie Mbatha, Mwango Kitsao Kalu and Philip Osano will sit on the Kenya Space Agency board as members, for the next three years, in an appointment made by Defence CS Soipan Tuya.
