Musalia Mudavadi Assigned Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ruto’s First Cabinet Reshuffle

President William Ruto has reshuffled his Cabinet, granting Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi additional roles and responsibilities.

According to a recent statement from the State House, the President has utilized his authority as the Head of State and Government to instate adjustments within his cabinet. As such, Alfred Mutua, who served as the CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has been placed in charge of Tourism and Wildlife, with his predecessor Musalia Mudavadi assuming his former role. One key takeaway from this leadership reshuffle is that no executive member has been relieved of their duties. Rather, they have simply been reorganized and given new mandates and responsibilities.

In order to implement changes, the President has shifted responsibilities and restructured various departments. Several months ago, he publicly criticised his cabinet voicing that some members lack proper expertise in their assigned sectors. This raised concerns that Dr Ruto may dismiss some of his ministers. Mudavadi's promotion has generated excitement among his social media followers, which could potentially have implications for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The president must make a crucial decision to terminate or retain some members of his administration. While campaigning for a re-election bid, he must weigh the influence of prominent politicians in key regions. It is alleged that certain cabinet members are not performing satisfactorily; however, other factors such as internal disputes, tender-related concerns, and National Intelligence Service briefings could impact the president's verdict. A noteworthy development is Trading CS Moses Kuria's transfer to the Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management department.

While this may be viewed as a demotion, given the significance and resources of the new ministry, it is believed that Kuria's reassignment was long overdue. This is evident by his absence during two presidential trips to the US, during which former CS Adan Mohamed was introduced as the official office-holder, although he serves primarily as an advisor to the president.

Ms. Miano has succeeded Mr. Kuria in his former position. Prior to her new role, she was responsible for overseeing the Ministry of East African Community and Asals. Meanwhile, Ms. Malonza has assumed Ms. Miano's previous post and Ms. Wahome has moved to the Ministry of Lands, swapping places with Mr. Njeru. Lastly, Ms Jumwa has made a shift from the civil service to working in the gender ministry.

Dr Ruto's reshuffle is seen by many as a way to bring stability to his administration which had been plagued by cabinet members speaking at odds with each other. Several Principal Secretaries have also been affected by the reshuffle, with Harsama Kello moving to Asals, Julius Korir to Water, Geofrey Kaituko to Marine, Shadrack Mwadime to Labour, Paul Rono to Crops, Salim Dokota to Cabinet Affairs, Anne Wang'ombe to Gender, and Veronica Nduva to Performance and Delivery.