Busia Senator Omtatah Plans Shadow Cabinet in Response to Ruto’s Controversial Appointments
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has declared his plan to establish a shadow cabinet to challenge the recent Cabinet appointments made by President William Ruto.
This decision follows controversy surrounding Ruto’s choice to include senior figures from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in his Cabinet.
Omtatah, a strong critic of the President’s approach, contends that Ruto’s Cabinet reshuffle diminishes the opposition’s role in the administration.
The President has proposed 21 members for his Cabinet, many of whom are familiar faces from his previous team.
Omtatah has stated, “If that Cabinet is confirmed, some of us will be compelled to create a shadow Cabinet. We will shift from a presidential system with checks and balances to a de facto parliamentary system where power is derived from the legislature. A shadow Cabinet is essential to oversee this administration’s actions.”
According to Article 152 of the Constitution, the Cabinet includes the President, the Deputy President, the Attorney-General, and between fourteen and twenty-two Cabinet Secretaries.
The President has the sole authority to nominate these Cabinet Secretaries, subject to the National Assembly’s approval.
Ruto’s move to include ODM leaders in his Cabinet comes after substantial public criticism and six weeks of nationwide protests.
This strategy is viewed as an attempt by the President to bridge political gaps and stabilize a nation facing social and economic challenges.
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Despite this, the public and opposition have responded negatively.
The new ODM Cabinet appointees are prominent individuals with significant political sway.
John Mbadi, a leading ODM figure, is expected to assume the role of Minister for National Treasury and Economic Planning.
Opiyo Wandayi is set for the Energy portfolio, while Hassan Joho is designated for Mining and the Blue Economy.
Wycliffe Oparanya is anticipated to lead the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSMEs.
These appointments represent a notable shift in Kenya’s political landscape, integrating opposition voices into the government.
President Ruto defended his selections, highlighting the inclusive nature of his approach and the willingness of various groups to overcome partisan differences.
He described their commitment to Kenya’s transformation as a historic act of patriotism, reaffirming his dedication to a united government amid ongoing turbulence.
However, the public’s reaction has been largely unfavorable.
Young protesters, previously outspoken against the Finance Bill, 2024, argue that including opposition leaders in the Cabinet simply continues the practice of co-opting political rivals without providing real benefits to the people.
Their discontent reflects a broader frustration with the current political system’s failure to tackle urgent economic and social issues.
Omtatah criticized the situation, stating, “This mockery we’re experiencing, whose nature and purpose are unclear, leaves me no choice but to call this a self-serving government that fails to address the concerns of Gen Z, who have been driven to the streets.”
Ruto’s proposed Cabinet retains some former members, such as Kithure Kindiki, who served as the Interior CS previously.
Former CSs recommended to continue include Alice Wahome (Lands), Aden Duale (Environment), and Soipan Tuya (Defence).
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Additionally, former Energy CS Davis Chirchir is nominated for Roads and Transport, and former Trade CS Rebecca Miano is appointed as the new Tourism and Wildlife CS, replacing Alfred Mutua.
Newly nominated Cabinet Secretaries are: Debra Mlongo Barasa (Health), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture), Eric Muriithi Mugaa (Water), and Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u (ICT).
The proposed Cabinet includes John Mbadi (National Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Investment Trade and Industry), Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports).
Others appointed are Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection), Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives and MSMEs Development), Justin Muturi (Public Service), and Stella Lang’at (Gender, Culture, Arts & Heritage).
Busia Senator Omtatah Plans Shadow Cabinet in Response to Ruto’s Controversial Appointments
