The Ministry of Interior has remained without a substantive Cabinet Secretary since Prof. Kithure Kindiki’s elevation to Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Given the ministry’s critical role in national security and administration, its prolonged vacancy is untenable
President William Ruto is poised to announce a major Cabinet reshuffle as early as this week, ahead of his highly anticipated State of the Nation Address on Thursday to a joint session of Parliament, according to insider reports.
The planned reshuffle, sources indicate, is partly why President Ruto opted out of attending the ongoing COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, even though Kenya chairs the African Group of Negotiators (AGN). As a prominent advocate for climate action, many had expected Ruto to attend the conference. However, he delegated the responsibility to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, allowing him to focus on pressing domestic political and governance matters.
Mudavadi, currently acting in the Interior Ministry, is grappling with an overwhelming workload. His primary role as Prime Cabinet Secretary involves coordinating and supervising ministries and state departments. Additionally, his responsibilities in the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs docket necessitate frequent international engagements, underscoring the urgency of appointing a full-time Interior Cabinet Secretary.
The Ministry of Interior has remained without a substantive Cabinet Secretary since Prof. Kithure Kindiki’s elevation to Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Given the ministry’s critical role in national security and administration, its prolonged vacancy is untenable.
The government has also come under sharp criticism, particularly from Western powers, over human rights concerns, including allegations of abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Addressing these issues and restoring confidence in the Interior docket is a pressing priority.
Political Calculations and ODM Support
President Ruto’s reshuffle is expected to balance political and regional interests. The need to consolidate support from Mt. Kenya West, a region that has grown restive following Gachagua’s removal, and to accommodate more allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga, are key considerations.
ODM MPs played a critical role in stabilizing the country after the June Generation Z demonstrations against the controversial 2024 Finance Bill. They also provided Ruto with the numbers needed to impeach former Deputy President Gachagua, further strengthening their leverage in political negotiations.
Insiders suggest Ruto may consider appointing a member of the Opposition to the crucial Interior docket. However, the President is reportedly keeping his plans closely guarded. Both National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, who are said to have been contenders for the position, have publicly ruled themselves out.
The reshuffle may extend to Principal Secretaries, with shortlisting managed by the Public Service Commission. This broader reorganization would enable Ruto to realign government operations while securing political stability.
State of the Nation Address: Key Highlights
During his upcoming State of the Nation Address, President Ruto is expected to deliver the Annual Report on the State of National Security. This will be a defining moment for his administration to outline its strategies on governance, security, and economic development.
As the nation anticipates these significant changes, the reshuffle will serve as a test of Ruto’s ability to manage political alliances, address regional grievances, and implement effective governance.
