Kenya’s President Ruto Appoints Opposition Figures in Cabinet Overhaul

President William Ruto reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, incorporating key figures from the Opposition to build a more inclusive government. John Mbadi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was named Treasury Cabinet Secretary, while Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi was appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary. Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho will serve as Mining Cabinet Secretary, and Wycliffe Oparanya will oversee Cooperatives Development.

The changes follow street protests by GenZ youths demanding governmental reform to address corruption and resource mismanagement. New appointments also include Salim Mvurya as Investment and Trade Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen as Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, and former Attorney General Justin Muturi as Public Service Minister. Rebecca Miano, initially set to replace Muturi as Attorney General, was reassigned to Tourism and Wildlife. Stella Lagat was named Gender, Arts, and Heritage Minister.

President Ruto announced additional nominations for remaining Cabinet positions, including Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa (Health), Julius Migosi Ogamba (Education), Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture and Livestock Development), Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation), and Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u (Information, Communication and Digital Economy).

The President stated that the new appointments reflect ongoing public dialogue about rights, democracy, and national security.

NNEOMA UDENSI

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