By Mdadisi Mmoja
Kenya’s political scene is on the brink of a dramatic transformation as President William Ruto gears up for a Cabinet reshuffle, poised to bring in allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga while ousting loyalists of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Insiders suggest that at least four Cabinet Secretaries and 14 Principal Secretaries could face the chop, making way for Raila’s trusted circle. This shake-up stems from a power-sharing deal between Ruto and Odinga, once bitter rivals—aimed at promoting national unity and driving essential governance reforms.
Gachagua, previously Ruto’s right-hand man and a key figure in Mount Kenya’s political clout, is now a fading force. His supporters, many entrenched in senior government roles, are reportedly in the firing line as the reshuffle looms.
The move dovetails with the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which calls for an official Leader of the Opposition and the return of the Prime Minister’s post. Kenya Kwanza MPs are set to table a Bill in Parliament to enshrine these changes, though legal experts warn that such constitutional shifts might require a public vote.
Speaking at a recent funeral in Kiambu, Raila brushed off claims he’d joined Ruto’s camp, framing their collaboration as a pragmatic necessity. “Some say I’ve deserted them to team up with Ruto. The truth is, he approached me to tackle pressing national challenges together. We’ve agreed to help, but come 2027, the people will have their say,” he told mourners at Kimani Waiyaki’s burial in Muthiga village, Uthiru.
Names tipped for Cabinet slots under Raila’s sway include former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Raphael Tuju, alongside ODM’s Elections Director Timothy Bosire. Meanwhile, Public Service CS Justin Muturi, Water CS Eric Muriithi Mugaa, and Tourism CS Rebecca Miano are rumoured to be on the way out.
Analysts see Gachagua’s waning influence as a deliberate play by Ruto to tighten his grip ahead of the 2027 General Election. By weaving Raila’s allies into the fold, Ruto not only dilutes the opposition but also sidelines his ex-deputy’s power base. “Ruto wants people who can sell the government’s wins and rally voters for the next election. This isn’t just about running the country—it’s about locking in political supremacy,” a senior official confided.
Gachagua’s camp isn’t taking it quietly. They argue that Mount Kenya’s interests are being sidelined in this new alliance. “Ruto and Raila are just rewarding their mates while shoving others aside. If they want to win back trust, they’ll need more than backroom deals,” warned Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi.
The reshuffle also casts a spotlight on Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Raila has reportedly extended an olive branch, but their buy-in to this emerging coalition remains up in the air.
As Kenya’s political chessboard shifts, Ruto and Raila’s gambit could redefine the nation’s leadership—or spark a backlash if it’s seen as mere power play.
