Speculation is rife about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle expected to bring at least two new faces into President William Ruto’s government. The focus is on the vacant Interior Cabinet Secretary position, a powerful and sensitive docket that has remained unoccupied since Kithure Kindiki was elevated to Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. This reshuffle comes with heightened expectations, both politically and regionally, as Ruto seeks to maintain balance in his administration.
Among those rumored to be in contention for the Interior CS post is former Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, whose crisis management skills and administrative experience have been widely recognized. Memusi Kanchori, a figure with significant grassroots appeal, is also being considered as a potential bridge to opposition regions. Davis Chirchir, the current Minister for Roads and a staunch Ruto ally, is seen as a loyalist who might be strategically shifted to the powerful security docket. Raymond Omollo, the current Principal Secretary for Interior, is another frontrunner, offering the prospect of continuity in the ministry.
This reshuffle comes amid claims that Ruto may be inclined to reward a member of his Kalenjin community with the Interior post, sparking debate about ethnic favoritism. Critics argue that such a move could deepen regional divides, especially as the Mount Kenya bloc remains uneasy after Gachagua’s removal. However, Ruto’s supporters defend the idea, suggesting that consolidating his base is crucial to strengthening his administration in the face of growing opposition.
The reshuffle also carries significant political implications. The individual appointed as Interior CS will inherit a docket critical to addressing Kenya’s complex security challenges and ensuring cohesion within the administration. Whether Ruto opts for a seasoned technocrat like Omollo or a political heavyweight like Kagwe or Chirchir, the choice will signal his priorities for governance and political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
By Kenyans