Prime Minister Raila Odinga has finally replaced Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rebel MPs in new Cabinet changes announced Wednesday.
Mr Odinga axed suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto, East African Community minister Hellen Sambili and assistant Livestock minister Aden Duale from his side of the coalition in a mini reshuffle.
Mr Ruto’s portfolio was taken over by Prof Margaret Kamar while nominated MP Musa Sirma replaces Prof Sambili at the East African Community Ministry.
Voi MP Dan Mwazo replaces Mr Duale as Livestock assistant minister.
Sirisia MP Moses Wetang’ula was given back his old job as Foreign Affairs minister. He had stepped aside to allow investigations on the Tokyo embassy saga.
The changes were contained in an emailed statement from the Presidential Press Service that said the appointments were made following consultations between President Kibaki and Mr Odinga
“These decisions take effect immediately,” said the statement.
In other changes, Wajir North MP Mohamed Gabbow was named Special Programmes assistant minister while Manson Nyamweya was appointed Trade assistant minister.
Julius Murgor was named Environment and Mineral Resources assistant minister and takes over from Prof Kamar.
The fate of suspended Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey was not immediately clear.
Mr Kosgey and Mr Ruto are also post election violence suspects and are expected to attended confirmation of charges hearings at the International Criminal Court, Hague starting September 1.
Source- http://www.nation.co.ke
Raila Odinga: ODM Rebels Dropped in Cabinet Reshuffle