Ruto in dilemma to repay loyalist ahead of Cabinet naming

President- elect William Ruto will be in a huge dilemma to repay his loyalists ahead of his first cabinet once he assumes office on Tuesday. 

Prior to the elections, Ruto made it clear that his administration will not reward loyalists with lucrative positions should he be elected as president at the August polls. 

His government, he said, will instead focus on instituting policies that support the general growth of the economy. 

“We will not look at who will get into which position, but we’ll focus on ensuring the existence of friendly policies for all traders to prosper,” the DP said. 

According to the Kenya Kwanza leader, his priority will be to uplift the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans struggling to make a living at a time the economy is strained. 

However, in an agreement between the three parties, which was signed on April 5 and presented to the Registrar of Political Parties on May 8, Amani National Congress (ANC) will nominate the candidate to be appointed as Prime Cabinet Secretary. 

The agreement binds the three parties together until 2027 and provides room for future membership of other political parties who shall negotiate for their interests individually. 

Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya Speaker of the national assembly in a house divided between Azimio la Umoja one Kenya coalition and the Kenya Kwanza bandwagon. 

Both ANC and Ford-Kenya are also expected to get 30 per cent of government, including Cabinet slots, Principal Secretaries, High Commissioners and other State jobs. 

The constitution limits Cabinet secretaries to 22, but already, those being mentioned as likely nominees exceed that number. 

Ruto also promised 50 per cent of the slots to women, and so far, there are a handful on the radar. 

Among those that Ruto will be keen in rewarding include, former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, who served as director-general of Ruto’s presidential campaign. 

Outgoing Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, who lost out to Gachagua for the running mate position.  

He is the custodian of the Kenya Kwanza agreement and was also Ruto’s chief presidential election agent. 

Former Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya is also likely to find himself in the Cabinet, especially since Ruto once mentioned him as a coalition principal. 

Outgoing National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and outgoing Chief Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba, who headed Ruto’s presidential campaign’s international relations wing, are also angling for top seats. 

Ruto will also be keen in rewarding Former Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, who is the chief of staff in the Office of the Deputy President and the chief executive of Dr Ruto’s presidential campaign. 

According to close sources Chirchir, is expected to be State House Chief of Staff as well as the Head of Public Service. 

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, whose pursuit of the Mombasa governor seat was halted on account of his impeachment in the capital city will also be keen in being rewarded by Ruto when he assumes office. 

Flamboyant lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi who has been in the frontline campaigning for a Ruto presidency has been touted as a likely Attorney General once the Ruto’s administration assumes office.