Ruto Defends Broad-Based Cabinet Appointments
President William Ruto has defended his decision to nominate leaders affiliated with opposition Chief Raila Odinga to his cabinet, emphasizing the need for a broad-based government to effectively run the country. Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, Ruto stated, “Hii serikali siwezi endesha peke yangu” (I can’t run this government alone), highlighting the necessity of working with various leaders for the nation’s betterment.
Ruto nominated four opposition members for cabinet positions: Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), John Mbadi (Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy). He expressed a desire for national unity to foster development and address the country’s challenges collectively. “We will unite and work with all leaders to transform Kenya,” Ruto said during his development tour in Mombasa County.
Ruto emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Kwa sababu ya changamoto tulizonazo katika taifa la Kenya, mimi nimeamua ya kwamba hakuna haja ya kubagua wengine” (Because of the problems that we have in our country, I have decided that there is no need to continue sidelining other people). He underscored the need for all leaders, irrespective of political affiliations, to collaborate on issues such as debt repayment, tax collection, and development initiatives.
However, Ruto’s move has sparked controversy. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah criticized the nominations, claiming they violate Kenya’s constitution, which prohibits MPs or parties from crossing the floor after an election under a multi-party democracy. Omtatah argued that the broad-based government Ruto proposed contradicts Article Three Clause Two of the Constitution, which states that any government established contrary to the constitution is null and void.
Omtatah called on Parliament to reject the President’s list of cabinet nominees and insisted that Ruto should adhere to his coalition side. “The Cabinet the President has proposed to establish is unconstitutional,” Omtatah asserted, advocating for adherence to constitutional principles.
Ruto’s nominations and the subsequent debate highlight the ongoing tensions and challenges in balancing unity and constitutional adherence in Kenya’s political landscape.
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