Four ODM stalwarts set to join Ruto’s broad based cabinet

President William Ruto has nominated four ODM stalwarts to his broad-based cabinet.

The four close allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga are nominated MP and ODM chair John Mbadi who is the new CS nominee for Treasury. Others are Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).

The President unveiled an additional 10 nominees Wednesday afternoon during the State of the Nation address at State House, Nairobi.

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi (nominee PSC), CSs Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Alfred Mutua (Labour), Salim Mvurya (Trade) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs) have also made a comeback.

The list has a newcomer Stella Soi Langat who has been nominated Gender CS.

Ruto said he settled on the names after extensive consultations with stakeholders from all sectors, levels and regions.

“In line with this undertaking, I will be forwarding additional names to Parliament for vetting prior to appointment based on the understanding of the Cabinet’s essential role in driving the transformational agenda that makes Kenya a better, more just and more prosperous nation for all” he said.

Once constituted, he said the new Cabinet will steward our transformation agenda in providing effective and efficient public services, expanding opportunities for employment and wealth creation.

He further commended the leadership of diverse organisations, both in the public and private sectors, including political parties, for what he termed as an encouraging response to his outreach to consult on forming a broad-based government.

“Their willingness to set aside partisan positions and interests in order to join a visionary partnership for the radical transformation of Kenya is a historic gesture of their patriotism” he noted.

The new list brings to 20 the number of CSs awaiting vetting by Parliament.

The position of Attorney General previously held by Muturi is yet to be filled.

The President had nominated Ms Miano in the first list but did not forward her name to Parliament.