Insiders Allege Raila’s Influence in MPs’ Rejection of Stella Lang’at as CS Amidst ODM Pressure for More Government Positions
Details have surfaced regarding the reasons behind the National Assembly Committee on Appointments’ decision to reject Stella Lang’at as the Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary.
Lang’at was the only Cabinet Secretary nominee not approved by the committee, which is led by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. Meanwhile, 19 other nominees received the green light.
On Wednesday, the House endorsed the committee’s recommendation to reject Lang’at.
The approved nominees were officially sworn in at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday.
During the presentation of the report, National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah informed the MPs that Lang’at was disqualified due to her insufficient understanding of gender and culture matters.
“The nominee did not exhibit sufficient knowledge of key administrative and technical issues related to the Ministry of Gender Culture, Arts, and Heritage,” Ichung’wah noted.
However, it has now come to light that Lang’at’s rejection was not due to a lack of competence but rather a result of political maneuvering behind the scenes, which ultimately led to her being sidelined.
Two senior sources within the Kenya Kwanza administration revealed that Lang’at’s rejection was intended to create space for an ODM nominee.
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“It was Baba (Raila Odinga) who insisted on securing an additional Cabinet Secretary position to ensure regional balance amidst rising tensions within his party,” a senior UDA politician disclosed to the Star.
Another source from the vetting panel mentioned to the Star that everything was proceeding smoothly until it became apparent that one position needed to be left vacant.
“These positions are highly political and are not solely based on competence but also factors beyond the MPs’ control,’’ he explained.
The Star has confirmed that Raila’s last-minute request for an additional Cabinet Secretary slot played a pivotal role in Lang’at’s rejection.
Raila has reportedly been under pressure from his allies to secure at least six Cabinet positions as part of ODM’s share in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Currently, Raila’s ODM holds six Cabinet positions, occupied by his trusted allies who he described as “experts” brought in to help stabilize the government following a series of protests.
These include John Mbadi (National Treasury); Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum); Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and SMEs); Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs); and Beatrice Askul (East African Community).
Mbadi and Wandayi represent Luo Nyanza, while Joho and Oparanya are from the Coast and Western Kenya regions, respectively. Askul hails from Turkana County.
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Despite this, Raila has faced pressure from his supporters in Kisii, Coast, Ukambani, and parts of North Eastern regions for allegedly overlooking them in the distribution of ODM’s Cabinet slots.
Nevertheless, ODM members are still expected to be considered for senior government positions, including principal secretary roles, once President William Ruto makes changes to his administration.
Reports also indicate that the agreement between Ruto and Raila includes the allocation of ambassadorial and parastatal positions within the Government of National Unity.
Concerning Lang’at, aside from the lack of necessary technical expertise to head the Gender Ministry, the Committee on Appointments also criticized her previous work experience.
Ichung’wah pointed out that she frequently transitioned between various roles in the public service, none of which required long-term strategic planning.
“The committee observed that the nominee’s public service experience was characterized by frequent job transitions across different roles. All six positions she held did not demand long-term strategic planning,” Ichung’wah explained.
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Ironically, some of the ministries Lang’at served in include the State Department of Public Service and the Labour Department.
She was also part of the team that established the State Department of Gender in 2004.
During her appearance before the committee, Lang’at, who claimed her net worth is Sh70 million, informed MPs that her 29 years in public service would be instrumental in her role at the Gender Ministry.
She primarily emphasized plans to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages.
“To tackle the issues of FGM and early marriages, we must address poverty in our communities by empowering both men and women, with a particular focus on men,” Lang’at stated.
Critics have dismissed Lang’at’s rejection, arguing that she possesses the necessary experience for the Cabinet Secretary role.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, in opposing the committee’s report on Lang’at, described her as a highly capable administrator who has steadily risen through the ranks of public service.
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“Give this woman the job, and she will excel; she is immensely competent,’’ Kaluma asserted.
Lang’at is from the Sotik subcounty in Bomet.
She currently serves as the Director of Administration in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
Lang’at previously worked in the State Department of Housing and Urban Planning.
She also held the position of county secretary in the Bomet County Government from April 2020 to October 2021.
Before this, she was the Senior Deputy County Commissioner II in charge of the Nyando subcounty in 2019.
From March 2015 to February 2019, she served as the Deputy Commissioner for Bomet East, Sameta, and Mwingi sub-counties.
Insiders Allege Raila’s Influence in MPs’ Rejection of Stella Lang’at as CS Amidst ODM Pressure for More Government Positions
