Ruto’s Cabinet Shuffle: Gachagua’s Power Trimmed

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Ruto’s Cabinet Shuffle: Gachagua’s Power Trimmed

President William Ruto added Musalia Mudavadi to the Foreign Affairs portfolio on Wednesday, assuming responsibilities previously assigned to the office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In March 2023, Ruto assigned Gachagua some foreign policy duties including directing engagements between international organizations and missions and government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), roles which Mudavadi will now take over.

Before Gachagua was appointed, the Foreign Affairs Ministry was responsible for managing the country’s relations with foreign missions and organizations.

The nation was caught off guard by Wednesday’s cabinet reshuffle, with some observers speculating that some cabinet secretaries were also oblivious to the impending reshuffle.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during the funeral service of lawyer Vincent Kipkoech Mutai (Wakili), son of Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot on September 8, 2023.

As a result of Musalia’s assumption of control over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gachagua’s influence in the crucial case will be diminished.

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In the now-rescinded responsibilities, diplomatic missions were required to collaborate directly with the Office of the Vice President.

Musalia announced in a statement issued after the changes that he was capable of managing the additional responsibilities.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been entrusted by His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto with an expanded role in the reshuffled Cabinet,” a statement from the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary read in part.

“I express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency for the trust placed in me by assigning me the additional vital role of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.”

Mudavadi disclosed that he would fulfill his responsibility to safeguard the interests of Kenyans both domestically and abroad.

Alfred Mutua, who has been transferred to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, was succeeded by the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

The Vice President has yet to comment on the recent developments and his diminished authority.

President William Ruto with Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi at June Ruto’s wedding in Karen, Nairobi on Thursday, May 27, 2023.

Ruto’s Cabinet Shuffle: Gachagua’s Power Trimmed

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