President William Ruto officially swore in the newly appointed cabinet secretaries, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty following the disbandment of the previous cabinet amidst youth protests and the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
The new cabinet, composed of nineteen members, was gazetted by President Ruto under the powers conferred by Article 152 (2) of the Constitution. Notably, the swearing-in marks a significant step towards stabilizing the government and addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the nation.
The ceremony saw the formal induction of prominent figures including Kithure Kindiki, Roselinda Soipan Tuya, John Mbadi Ng’ongo, Justin Bedan Muturi, Aden Bare Duale, Alice Wahome, and others. Their appointments are part of President Ruto’s broader strategy to form a “team of rivals,” intended to unite various political factions for the country’s development.
“More than ever, it is clear that we are fully united by a shared devotion to secure a prosperous Kenya that serves us all. For this reason, I am persuaded that this moment in the life of our nation calls on us to build a strong ‘team of rivals’ to give our transformation agenda the best chance of success and to enhance inclusivity in national development,” President Ruto stated during the ceremony.
The formation of the new cabinet follows vigorous vetting processes, during which only one nominee, Soi Langat for Gender and Culture, was rejected. The vetting committee noted her lack of adequate knowledge and requisite abilities for the portfolio, recommending President Ruto consider reassigning approved nominees to portfolios that match their competencies after appraising their performance.
“With the formation of this broad-based government that brings together former political rivals into one selfless, patriotic team, we will unlock the potential of our country that has long been denied to us by factional and sectarian competition,” President Ruto added, emphasizing the need for unity and collective effort.
The new cabinet members are expected to hit the ground running, tackling key issues such as economic recovery, youth unemployment, and national security. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences are seen as vital assets in driving forward the government’s ambitious agenda.
In his closing remarks, President Ruto called on the new cabinet to harness their collective political capital, knowledge, and expertise to propel Kenya towards greatness. “I am persuaded that a moment such as this in the history of our nation calls on patriotic citizens to forge an alliance of rivals to harness our collective political capital, knowledge, and expertise to take the strides necessary to make our country great,” he said.
Here is the full list of those sworn in;
- Kithure Kindiki
- Roselinda Soipan Tuya
- John Mbadi Ng’ongo
- Justin Bedan Muturi
- Aden Bare Duale
- Alice Wahome
- Julius Migos Ogamba
- Davis Chirchir
- Rebecca Miano
- Hassan Ali Joho
- Alfred Nganga Mutua
- Eric Murithi Muuga
- Salim Mvurya Mgala
- Debra Miongo Barasa
- Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen
- James Opiyo Wandayi,
- Margaret Nyambura Ndung‘u
- Wyelifte Ambetsa Oparanya
- Andrew Mwihia Karanja
