Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reiterated his lack of confidence in President William Ruto’s Cabinet Secretary nominees. Taking to social media platform X on Friday, Kalonzo openly criticized Ruto’s choices, a stance he has maintained since the nominations were announced.
“We have no faith in KK Cabinet Secretaries nominees,” Kalonzo declared, emphasizing his party’s discontent with the proposed appointments. This statement comes on the heels of his recent exhortations to Wiper MPs to reject the nomination of ODM members for key Cabinet Secretary positions.
On Sunday, Kalonzo urged Wiper MPs to oppose the approval of four ODM nominees when the Committee on Appointments presents its report in the House. The nominees in question are Opiyo Wandayi for Energy, Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives, John Mbadi for the National Treasury, and Hassan Joho for Mining.
Kalonzo’s disapproval surfaced during the vetting process conducted by the Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetangula. The vetting process saw a rigorous examination of the second batch of nominees, with Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki being the first to face the committee on Thursday. Alongside Kindiki, nominees Debra Mlongo (Health), Alice Wahome (Lands), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), and Roselinda Soipan Tuya (Defence) were also vetted on the same day.
The vetting process continued on Friday with Andrew Mwihia (Agriculture), Aden Duale (Environment), Eric Muuga (Water), Davis Chirchir (Transport), and Margaret Ndung’u (ICT) appearing before the committee. Saturday’s session included the vetting of John Mbadi (National Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Salim Mvurya (Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), and Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports).
The final day of the vetting process is set to feature Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Hassan Joho (Mining), Alfred Mutua (Labour), Justin Muturi (Public Service), and Stella Lang’at (Gender).
Kalonzo’s opposition to the nominees is rooted in broader political dynamics and his party’s strategic interests. His call for Wiper MPs to reject the ODM nominees is a clear signal of intra-coalition tensions within the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition. Kalonzo’s stance highlights the friction between his party and the ODM faction, led by Raila Odinga, within the larger coalition.
This political maneuvering is not unexpected, as Kalonzo has historically positioned himself as a critical voice within Kenyan politics. By challenging Ruto’s nominees, Kalonzo aims to assert his influence and negotiate better terms for his party within the coalition. His actions also reflect a broader skepticism among opposition leaders regarding Ruto’s administration and its potential direction.
The vetting process itself has been a focal point of public interest, with nominees facing rigorous scrutiny over their qualifications, past performance, and vision for their respective ministries. The Committee on Appointments has been tasked with ensuring that the nominees meet the standards required for public office and can effectively serve the interests of the Kenyan people.
As the vetting process concludes and the Committee on Appointments prepares to table its report, the political landscape remains tense. The final approval or rejection of the nominees will not only shape the composition of Ruto’s cabinet but also signal the evolving power dynamics within Kenyan politics.
In conclusion, Kalonzo Musyoka’s unwavering stance against Ruto’s Cabinet Secretary nominees underscores the complex interplay of political alliances and rivalries in Kenya. His call to reject the ODM nominees is a strategic move that reflects broader concerns within the opposition and sets the stage for further political negotiations and alignments. The outcome of the vetting process will be closely watched as it unfolds, shaping the future trajectory of Kenya’s governance and political discourse.
