PRESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta is reportedly preparing to appoint former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi as the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Devolution. This marks Mudavadi’s significant appointment in the Cabinet. The news of Musalia Mudavadi appointed Cabinet role underlines his useful experience and political influence. Yesterday the Star reported that the number of ministries will be increased from 18 to 20.
Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto want to split both Anne Waiguru’s Devolution and Planning Ministry. They plan to divide Joseph Ole Lenku’s Interior and Co-ordination ministry into two.
Now it appears that Mudavadi will take Devolution. Ann Waiguru will take up a new role as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Planning, according to multiple sources within the Presidency. This decision aligns with the reports of Musalia Mudavadi entering the Cabinet. It coincides with Musalia Mudavadi appointed Cabinet responsibilities for Devolution.
Interior and National Coordination CS Joseph Ole Lenku will move to a new ministry to be called Ministry of Gender and Youth Affairs.
Currently, Lenku is responsible for co-coordinating government. He oversees regular police formations, immigration, prisons and refugees departments.
Lenku has been frequently criticised, especially during the Westgate attack in September. At that time, he repeatedly contradicted himself and gave inconsistent statements.
“The original suggestion, especially from the Deputy President, was that Lenku be given the Tourism docket due to his experience and background. The two principals also agreed that Waiguru’s ministry has too much,” a source within the Presidency said.
Waiguru presently has more than 20 departments under her. This includes Special Programmes, Devolution, Planning, Public Service, Gender, Youth and Uwezo Fund.
Uhuru and Ruto are also looking at the possibility of another two ministries, one of which will most be headed by a woman.
The other ministry is provisionally reserved for either former Speaker Kenneth Marende or former assistant minister Peter Kenneth.
“The Constitution allows for up to 22 Cabinet Secretaries. We will not be surprised when we hear of four appointments," another State House source said. They confirmed that Musalia Mudavadi’s role in the Cabinet might soon be formalized. With Musalia Mudavadi appointed Cabinet duties, the composition of the government could be strategically enhanced.
It is still unclear what the new ministries will be called. However, sources said that the announcement could be made on Thursday or Friday when Ruto returns from The Hague.
Recently the President warned his Cabinet that the “honeymoon” was over. He gave them a one-year ultimatum to perform or get fired.
However some ministers may be out of office even sooner as Uhuru and Ruto are planning to appraise them by April when they mark their first anniversary in power.
“It is becoming clear that some of the Cabinet Secretaries are not implementing the Jubilee manifesto as required. There are other who are been suspected to engaging in underhand dealings within government. The President has said he will not tolerate this and some ministers may just get fired,” said another source in the Presidency.
- the-star.co.ke
