President William Ruto has firmly defended his recent appointments of new cabinet secretaries, which have faced criticism from Kenyans.
In a press conference held at State House Nairobi on July 24th, President Ruto addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders and civil society groups regarding the composition of his new cabinet.
The president’s cabinet reshuffle, announced earlier this week, saw several key positions filled by individuals with varying backgrounds. Critics have argued that some appointments lack relevant experience and represent a shift towards favoritism and nepotism.
“The appointments were made with careful consideration of each individual’s experience and ability to contribute to our national goals,” President Ruto stated. “Every member of this cabinet has demonstrated a commitment to public service and possesses the skills necessary to drive forward the administration’s agenda.”
Notably, the new cabinet includes former business executives and academic professionals; for instance, Soipan Tuya was appointed as the Minister of Environment, and Alice Wahome was appointed Minister of Lands and physical planning.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga criticized the appointments in a statement released on Friday. Odinga argued that the president’s cabinet reshuffle appears to be more about political appeasement than genuine efforts to enhance governance. He also says that Kenyans need leaders who have proven their capability, not those who are rewarded for their political connections.
President Ruto addressed these criticisms head-on by saying that “We have a clear mandate from the people to deliver on promises of economic growth, transparency, and inclusivity,” he said. “Our appointments are designed to ensure that we have the right expertise in place to address our national challenges effectively.”
Civil society groups have also expressed concerns, highlighting the lack of diversity in the new appointments, which President Ruto acknowledged but emphasized that the focus remains on the cabinet’s performance and its ability to implement policies that benefit all Kenyans. “We are committed to working transparently and ensuring that each appointee delivers on their responsibilities,” he assured.
As the new cabinet members prepare to assume their roles, all eyes will be on their performance in addressing Kenya’s pressing issues, including economic recovery, healthcare, and education reform meeting the needs of citizens.