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Kenyans are set to continue paying the same fuel prices as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announces it has retained the same rates.

However, the small decrease by Ksh1 announced last month was overshadowed by the lingering impact of recent tax hikes, leaving consumers questioning whether the changes will bring any real relief.

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene remain unchanged," stated EPRA Director General David Kiptoo. 

The latest review by EPRA retains the prices of  Super Petrol at Ksh188.84 per litre in Nairobi, which was a decrease of Ksh1. Diesel has seen a reduction of Ksh171.60 bringing the price down to Ksh1.50 per litre, while Kerosene will now cost Ksh161.75 per litre, after a Ksh1.30 cut.

These reductions come on the heels of a previous review that also slashed fuel prices by similar margins.

A petrol station attendant fueling a car in Nairobi.

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Motorist Association of Kenya

Despite these reductions, the impact of the controversial road maintenance levy (RML) continues to loom large.

Just last month, the government increased the RML from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per litre for both petrol and diesel, a move that added Ksh7 per litre to fuel costs.

This hike, combined with the lingering effects of the now-nullified Finance Act 2023, which had doubled the VAT on fuel from 8 per to 16 per cent, has kept fuel prices high.

Last week, Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban acknowledged the limited impact of the latest price cuts. He noted that before the upward revision of the RML, the projected prices of Super Petrol and Diesel were set to decrease by Ksh5.27 and Ksh6.74 per litre, respectively.

However, the actual reductions announced by EPRA last month were far less, with Super Petrol dropping by only Ksh1 and Diesel by Ksh1.50 per litre.

Liban explained that the government had initially aimed to provide more significant relief at the pump, but the increase in the road maintenance levy effectively negated the benefits of the price cuts.

"Prior to the revision of the RML, the projected price of Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene were to reduce substantially. However, the imposition of the higher levy significantly reduced the extent of these cuts," he stated in a document submitted to the Senate Energy Committee.

The High Court's recent nullification of the Finance Act 2023, which had introduced the doubled VAT, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

The reversal of the VAT increase is expected to have a notable impact on fuel prices in the upcoming pricing cycles, potentially reducing costs by more than Ksh10 per litre.

However, the benefits of this VAT cut are likely to be tempered by the persistent effects of the raised RML.

Kenyans, who have been grappling with high living costs, are expressing mixed reactions to the latest price adjustments.

While any reduction in fuel prices is welcome, many feel that the relief is minimal, especially in light of the increased taxes that have continued to drive up the cost of essential goods and services.

The reduction in fuel prices may provide some temporary respite, but the underlying issues of taxation and levy hikes remain unresolved. As the new prices take effect, consumers are left wondering whether the government's efforts to alleviate their burden are sufficient, or if more substantial measures are needed to address the rising cost of living.

With the new pricing cycle set to run until September 14, all eyes will be on the government's next moves.

The anticipated reduction in VAT on fuel could bring more meaningful relief, but for now, Kenyans are left navigating the complexities of a market where small cuts in prices are overshadowed by larger fiscal challenges.

EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo speaking during a stakeholders forum on February 5, 2024.

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EPRA

After failing to clinch the highly anticipated third gold, Kenya's marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has announced he will not compete in any other Olympic Games after a surprising and disappointing performance at Paris 2024.

For the first time in his illustrious career, Kipchoge failed to finish a marathon race, a moment that has left fans and sports enthusiasts around the world in shock.

The 39-year-old, known for his incredible achievements in marathon running, experienced a setback during the race when he was forced to drop out just after the 31-kilometre mark due to a waist discomfort.

Kipchoge, who was chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold medal, had been seen as a formidable contender. However, his bid was thwarted as he fell out of contention in the late stages of the marathon.

Kipchoge's exit from the race was marked by a poignant reflection on his career. He expressed his disappointment but remained composed, acknowledging the end of a significant chapter in his life. 

“It is a difficult time for me,” Kipchoge said, visibly emotional. “This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life. Like a boxer, I have been knocked down, I have won, I have come second, eighth, 10th, fifth – now I did not finish. That’s life.”

Eliud Kipchoge among other athletes at the Paris Olympics, August 10.

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Team Kenya

With his withdrawal, the marathon saw Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola seize the gold medal in a record time of 2:06:26, setting a new Olympic benchmark. 

Belgium’s Bashit Abdi claimed the silver, while Kenya's Benson Kipruto, making his Olympic debut, secured the bronze with a time of 2:07:00.

Kipchoge, who had set a personal best of 2:01:09, had been part of a strong field of 14 athletes. His performance, however, fell short of the high expectations that surrounded him. 

Despite his impressive track record, including two previous Olympic golds, his attempt to cement his legacy with a third gold fell short as he struggled to keep pace and eventually dropped to 63rd place before withdrawing.

In a poignant statement, Kipchoge revealed his future plans. “You will see me in a different way, maybe giving people motivation, but I will not run,” he stated. 

“I don't know what to do next. I need to go back [home], sit down, and try to figure out my 21 years of running at a high level. I need to evolve and feature in other things.”

Kipchoge, who dominated the marathon scene between 2014 and 2023 with 11 major wins, excelled in Berlin (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023) and London (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019). He also boasts two World Championships’ 5,000m medals—gold in 2003 and silver in 2007—and was a finalist three other times.

Paris marked his first major global title when he won the 5,000m gold at the Stade de France in 2003. The most decorated marathoner, Kipchoge's accolades include the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports (2023), ANOC Best Male Athlete of Tokyo 2020 (2021), and BBC World Sport Star of the Year (2019). He also received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (2019) and Laureus Academy's Exceptional Achievement Award (2019).

Additional honours include IAAF Male Athlete of the Year (2018, 2019), Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), and AIMS Best Male Marathon Runner (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018).

The announcement marks the end of an era for Kipchoge, whose remarkable career has inspired countless athletes and running enthusiasts. His retirement from the Olympic competition marks the end of an extraordinary journey, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of marathon running.

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men's marathon.

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Olympics

Kenya’s marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, saw his historic bid for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal evaporate at the Paris 2024 Games, leaving fans and athletes alike stunned. He did not finish the race.

Kipchoge, who has dazzled the world with his prowess over the years, fell out of contention during the race’s early stages, missing out on a chance to cement his name in the annals of Olympic history.

Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola crossed the line in an Olympic record time of 2:06.26 to secure the country's first gold of these Games. Belgium's Bashit Abdi finished second to take the silver, with Kenya's Benson Kipruto winning bronze with a time of 2:07:00 on his Olympic debut. 

The marathon, a gruelling test of endurance, began with Kipchoge as part of a formidable group of 14 athletes. However, the 39-year-old’s quest for immortality was dashed as he fell off the pace just at the halfway mark of the race. With 25 kilometers to go, the double Olympic marathon champion sat in 63rd place. 

Kipchoge, after struggling for a while, bowed out of the race, leaving the dream to make history behind as he ran what many viewed as his last dance. The man whom many consider the 'Greatest of All Time' dropped off after 31 kilometers.

Despite bringing an impressive 2:01:09 minutes personal best, Kipchoge’s performance was not enough to secure him a third consecutive gold, a feat no athlete has achieved at the Olympics.

In spite of the struggle at the Paris Olympics, Kipchoge’s career remains marked by a series of stunning victories, including 12 major marathons from 2014 to 2023 and a slew of prestigious awards.

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men's marathon.

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Olympics

His triumphs in Berlin, London, and at the World Championships had earned him a reputation as one of the greatest marathoners of all time. Yet, the sweltering Paris heat and the relentless competition proved too formidable.

As Kipchoge grappled with the unexpected turn of events, the spotlight shifted to Kenya’s other athletes, particularly Beatrice Chebet. The 24-year-old athlete delivered a stellar performance in the women’s 10,000m, clinching gold in a time of 30 minutes and 43.25 seconds.

Chebet’s victory marked a significant achievement for Kenya, adding another gold to the nation’s tally. At the moment Kenya has seven medals, two gold, one silver, and four bronze.

Chebet’s success in Paris follows her earlier triumph in the 5,000m, where she had already secured gold. “This 10,000m gold medal is the most important medal in my life,” Chebet declared. “I came here targeting the 10,000m gold medal, not a gold in 5,000m.” Her words reflected the dedication and focus that had driven her throughout the Games.

While Chebet’s victory provided a glimmer of hope for Kenya, Kipchoge’s performance left many questioning whether the time has come for him to retire from competitive marathon running.

His illustrious career, marked by numerous accolades including the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports and the BBC World Sport Star of the Year, has inspired countless runners and elevated the sport’s profile globally.

There is still hope for more medals at the Olympics later on Saturday, as Faith Kipyegon, another Kenyan could become the first athlete to win gold in the same discipline thrice in a row as she defends her 1,500-meter win. 

Beatrice Chebet celebrating after clinching gold at the women's 10,000 meters race in Paris Olympics, August 9.

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Team Kenya

kenGovernor Kawira Mwangaza’s tenure in Meru County has taken another tumultuous turn as the County Assembly voted to impeach her for a record third time.

The vote, held on Thursday, August 8, saw 49 out of 69 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) support the motion, which accused the governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of the Constitution.

Deputy Majority Leader Zipporah Kinya, who tabled the impeachment motion, pointed to a series of alleged legal violations by Mwangaza. "The governor has blatantly disregarded the law, revoking appointments, and failing to act on crucial assembly resolutions," Kinya stated, underscoring the gravity of the charges against Mwangaza.

Among the accusations, Kinya highlighted the illegal revocation of Virginia Kawira's appointment as the secretary of the county public service board. "It is only the county assembly that has the mandate to revoke such an appointment," she asserted, further criticising the governor for failing to appoint key officials to vital county boards, thereby stalling essential services.

In a scathing indictment of Mwangaza’s conduct, Kinya accused the governor of misleading the public during a fundraiser for the family of Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as Sniper. Mwangaza had claimed that the event raised Ksh86 million, while records show that only Ksh286,000 was collected. “This gross exaggeration not only violates public trust but also placed the deceased’s family in potential danger,” Kinya added.

Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza.

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KNA

The motion also accused the governor of employing 111 workers, including 79 cleaners whose presence in the office is questionable. According to Kinya, these workers are paid through a manual payroll system, raising concerns about the transparency of the county’s employment practices.

Evans Mawira Kaaria, a vocal critic of the governor, defended Mwangaza, arguing that the grounds laid in the house do not meet the impeachment threshold. Mawira, who was a mover of a past motion, expressed to Kenyans.co.ke, frustration with his counterparts of the assembly.

“In fact, the weakest of all the motions that we have, of all the times that you have taken out to send it, there's the weakest motion of all. Because those grounds are unfounded, they don't meet the threshold. There's no way such reasons can take our governor home,” asserted Mawira.

The fallout from the vote is expected to be significant, as Mwangaza now faces a review by the Senate. The upper house will decide whether to uphold the assembly's decision or allow Mwangaza to remain in office. Some senators, however, have already voiced their displeasure with the ongoing conflict in Meru, with Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua suggesting that the county’s critical functions be transferred to the national government under Article 187 of the Constitution.

"If this circus continues, we may have to consider suspending the entire county government," Wambua remarked, emphasising the need for stable governance in Meru.

As the county braces for the Senate’s verdict, the political drama in Meru continues to cast a shadow over the delivery of essential services.

Mwangaza’s latest impeachment marks an unprecedented chapter in Kenya’s devolution history, with Meru now at the centre of a nationwide debate on the efficacy of county governance.

"The people of Meru deserve better than this," Kinya concluded, reflecting the sentiment of many who are eager to see an end to the county’s political infighting.

The Senate’s decision will not only determine Mwangaza’s fate but also set a precedent for handling similar cases in other counties.
 

Meru County-based blogger Daniel Muthiani alias 'Sniper'.

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Courtesy

27 days after President William Ruto fired all but one Cabinet Secretary, the political landscape has been dramatically reshaped with the National Assembly's approval of 19 out of 20 Cabinet nominees on Wednesday, August 7.

This move now signals a fresh start for the nation, which has been facing protests and unrest for slightly over a month. With a diverse Cabinet, President Ruto is aiming to foster inclusivity and unity.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah announced the committee’s decision, endorsing 19 of President Ruto’s 20 nominees. This significant development came as President Ruto pushed through his commitment to form a broad-based government, incorporating five members from Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to bridge political divides.

Stella Lang’at, nominated for the Gender docket, was the only nominee to face rejection. “Out of all the 21 nominees that were vetted, the committee considered for approval 20 and rejected only 1 nominee, Ms Stella Soi Lang’at, who had been nominated for the Ministry of Gender,” stated Ichung’wah.

The National Assembly voted in the majority in favour of the report, recommending the approval of 19 Cabinet Secretaries and rejecting one,  paving the way for the reconstitution of the Cabinet. The House voted to reject the nomination of Stella Soi Lang'at.

The vetting process showcased active civic engagement, with the committee receiving 837 memoranda from the public. Out of these, 23 were hand-delivered, and 714 were submitted via email. Despite the large volume, only 181 met the legal requirements, while 656 submissions were non-compliant with affidavit standards.

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and some former CSs after a Cabinet meeting in April 2024.

PCS

Ichung’wah expressed gratitude for the public’s participation, highlighting its importance. “I must thank the many Kenyans who submitted this huge number of memoranda. It tells you that indeed public participation was not superfluous, was not for the sake of it. That Kenyans in their numbers did submit memoranda,” he remarked.

Several nominees faced scrutiny over their past records, with 163 affidavits contesting the appointment of 10 individuals previously dismissed from office.

Among the notable appointments is Professor Kindiki Kithure as Cabinet Secretary for Interior, a role pivotal to national security. Dr Deborah Barasa will lead the Health Ministry, tasked with navigating the nation through ongoing health challenges. Alice Wahome’s appointment to the Lands Ministry and Julius Migos Ogamba’s to the Education docket highlight the administration’s focus on critical sectors.

Soipan Tuya’s role as Defence CS and Andrew Karanja’s as Agriculture CS reflect strategic placements in sectors vital for national stability and food security. Aden Duale’s appointment as Environment CS and Eric Mureithi Mugaa’s as Water CS align with the administration’s environmental sustainability goals.

Infrastructure and digital transformation are in focus with Davis Chirchir’s role as Roads CS, Margaret Nyambura’s as ICT CS, and John Mbadi’s as Treasury CS. Salim Mvurya, Rebecca Miano, and Opiyo Wandayi will head Trade, Tourism, and Energy respectively, crucial for economic growth.

Youth affairs are entrusted to Kipchumba Murkomen, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to the younger generation. Hassan Joho’s Mining portfolio and Alfred Mutua’s Labour and Social Protection roles are vital in harnessing natural resources and protecting workers' rights. Wycliffe Oparanya’s position in Cooperatives and Justin Muturi’s in Public Service round out a team tasked with enhancing public sector efficiency and economic cooperation.

This new Cabinet, a strategic blend of seasoned politicians and new faces, is poised to drive Kenya towards greater economic growth and social equity. As the appointees prepare to assume their roles, the nation anticipates an administration that listens and responds to their needs.

Kenyans are hopeful that this newly formed Cabinet, with its diverse and dynamic members, will steer the country towards a more prosperous and united future. The transformation marks a significant step in President Ruto’s vision for a progressive and inclusive Kenya.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi (sitted) and the former Cabinet Secretaries pictured standing.

PCS

The National Assembly Committee on Appointments has approved 19 individuals nominated by President William Ruto to fill Cabinet positions in the Kenya Kwanza Government.

The approval, which was presented by the National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, comes days after the Cabinet Secretary nominees were vetted by the Committee on Appointments.

"Honourable Speaker, I beg to lay the following paper on the table of the house today, August 7, 2024, the second report of the Committee of Appointments on the vetting of persons for appointment to the Offices of Secretaries volumes 1, 2, 3A and 3B," the Majority Leader stated.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi (sitted) and the former Cabinet Secretaries pictured standing.

PCS

The committee okayed the nomination of;

1. Kithure Kindiki - Interior
2. Debra Barasa - Health
3. Alice Wahome - Lands
4. Julius Migos  - Education
5. Soipan Tuya - Defence
6. Andrew Karanja - Agriculture
7. Aden Duale - Environment
8. Eric Mugaa - Water
9. Davis Chirchir - Roads
10. Margaret Ndung'u - ICT
11. John Mbadi - Treasury
12. Salim Mvurya - Investments and Trade
13. Rebecca Miano - Tourism
14. Opiyo Wandayi - Energy
15. Kipchumba Murkomen - Sports
16, Hassan Joho - Mining
17. Alfred Mutua - Labour
18. Wycliffe Oparanya - MSMEs
19. Justin Muturi - Public Service

Rejected Nominee
1. Stella Soi Langat - Gender

Appearing before the Committee on Appointments at the county hall at different intervals, the nominees responded to questions fielded by different members trying to establish their suitability to help Kenyans and the government in their different dockets.

Most importantly, the Cabinet Secretary nominee for Treasury John Mbadi gave a footprint on how to solve the current economic crisis battering different sectors in the country.

For instance, Mbadi floated a series of ideas including better ways of collecting revenue, managing counties, and debt repayment to begin an ambitious economic recovery.

“I am going to look at the Treasury in its totality and see whether there are gaps and if there are areas where we can change or move one person from one place to another,” Mbadi stated.

On his side, Cabinet Secretary nominee for MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya vowed to alter the hustler fund to better help the economy recover from the bottom up and fix the missing legal pieces.

Other nominees were optimistic to revolutionise the country from each and every docket that they were proposed to.

President William Ruto stated that the new face of the Cabinet is part of his plans to establish a broad-based government.

Notably, some members who were nominated into the cabinet were handpicked from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. A move analysts termed as crippling opposition politics in the country.

The second batch of Cabinet Secretaries was nominated after President Ruto dismissed all CSs after mounting pressure from the public over different issues.

Ruto explained that the move was in line with the demands made by Kenyans during the Gen Z nationwide demonstrations.

The Head of State also noted that he reached the decision for dismissal after a holistic appraisal of his cabinet.

During his announcement, the Head of State directed the Principal Secretaries within the respective Ministries to take charge.

President William Ruto signs the Supplementary Appropriations Bill into Law at State House in Nairobi.

Photo

John Michuki

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala was on Friday dismissed as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General following a meeting by the party's National Executive (NEC) Meeting.

Following Malala's dismissal,  Hassan Omar Hassan, the party's Vice Chairperson, was appointed as the Acting Secretary General. 

"The appointment of Hon Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked. These changes are effective immediately," read part of the statement by UDA.

According to UDA, the decision to dismiss Malala was reached after wide and consultative deliberations on the next course of action following the recent events within the party.

UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire addressing the press after holding the National Executive Committee meeting on July 31, 2024

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UDA

Consequently, UDA also vowed to make more readjustments in the party's governance and administrative measures in a bid to accelerate its agenda and to set a participative and consultative organisation.

"As the governing and policy-making organ of the Party, the NEC plays an essential role in driving the political agenda of the party," UDA noted in its statement.

The party's National Executive Committee also directed the National Elections Board to make necessary adjustments and continue with the grassroots elections as earlier communicated. 

According to the NEC, the elections would offer the UDA party members an opportunity to choose their preferred leaders from the polling centre to the national level.

"Over time, we must continually realign our policies and political guidance with the broader national political landscape and our collective aspirations," the party noted.

Malala's ouster comes two days after a section of UDA party leaders convened an emergency meeting to address the recent division within the party hierarchy.

During the meeting, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) led by chairperson Cecily Mbarire condemned the recent attack meted out on the self-proclaimed party Secretary General Joe Khalende.

The Embu Governor went ahead to disclose that they had resolved to convene a meeting on Friday, August 2, to discuss the incidents that she termed as unfortunate.

"We are a party who have structures of how conflicts are to be resolved and we cannot allow goons to be used to settle disputes," the vocal governor noted.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire appears before the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds on July 17, 2023.

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Parliament of Kenya

President William Ruto has nominated Beatrice Askul Moe as the Cabinet Secretary for the East African Community (EAC) Affairs and Regional Development.

The nomination was announced through a communique by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

According to the communique, Moe is a social scientist who previously served as the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Water, Irrigation, Agriculture and Land Reclamation in the Turkana County Government. 

Interestingly, Moe was part of the panel which was tasked with picking Azimio leader Raila Odinga's running mate in the 2022 presidential poll.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei speaking during a meeting with Principal Secretaries and Accounting Officers on January 10, 2024.

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Felix Koskei

"She has previously served as a Director of the Rift Valley Water Services Board, Chairperson Technical Committee of the Rift Valley Water Services Board, Chairperson Audit Committee of the Rift Valley Water Services Board, Project Officer of AMREF Kenya Turkana Project and Relief Officer for the Oxfam Turkana Relief Program. 

"The CS Nominee has specialized skills in the development and management of community affairs, towards behavioural and social change in communities," read the communique in part.

In terms of her academic qualifications, the nominee has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences (Social Work) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

The CS nominee is currently undertaking a Masters Degree in Governance and Ethics.

On the other hand, it was noted that Moe had undertaken various certifications including the County Induction Course at Kenya School Government (Turkana County Government) and Corporate Governance Course (CGC) while serving as a member of the Rift Valley Water Services Board.

She also has training on Audit Committees from KCA University (Institute for Capacity Development, Training of Trainers (TOT) Course for Community-based development by AMREF Kenya and Training in Methodologies for Conducting Baseline Assessment Survey for Food Security and Nutrition Improvement Project Turkana. 

Should Parliament approve her nomination, Moe will be replacing Peninah Malonza who was dismissed from the now dissolved former cabinet.

At the same time, the President also nominated Dorcas Agik Oduor as the Attorney General. Oduor currently serves as the Secretary of Public Prosecutions in the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). 

Newly nominated Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor

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Judiciary

President William Ruto on Tuesday nominated Dorcas Oduor to the position of Attorney General replacing Justin Muturi who was recently nominated as Public Service Cabinet Secretary.

She currently serves as Secretary of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Oduor is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Laws from the University of Nairobi, and a Master of Arts in International Conflict Management from the same university.

"The presidential nominations as transmitted to Parliament pertain to the position of the Attorney-General nominated Ms Dorcas Agik Oduor, SC, EBS, OGW, for appointment to the position of the Attorney-General of the Republic of Kenya," President Ruto announced.

"Senior Counsel Dorcas Oduor has vast legal experience spanning over thirty years of practice within the public sector," he added.

Newly nominated Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor

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Judiciary

Dorcas Oduor in her career as a jurist, contributed immensely to the development of law in Kenya through litigation, draughtsman, and legal advisories.

If her nomination is approved by parliamentarians, she will be the first female Attorney General in Kenyan history.

Her nomination comes hardly two weeks after President Ruto nominated the former Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to the same position.

President Ruto would however recall Miano's nomination as AG and subsequently proceeded to nominate her as Tourism Cabinet Secretary.

Oduor was named alongside Beatrice Askul Moe who was nominated to the position of Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs (EAC) & Regional Development.

President Ruto's decision to nominate the duo came weeks after he vowed to form an inclusive government which he termed as broad-based.

Among those who were also nominated to the new-look government were 4 Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) senior leaders. They included; John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) Ali Hassan Joho (Mining & Blue Economy) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives and MSMEs).

A photo collage of Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (left), Opiyo Wandayi (centre) and Wycliffe Oparanya

Kenyans.co.ke

ODM/ Opiyo Wandayi

Martha Karua, leader of the NARC-Kenya Party, has announced her exit from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

This move comes after four senior officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the main party in the coalition were nominated to the cabinet by President William Ruto on Wednesday.

Karua's departure was made public through an official statement on her official social media handles.

In the notice, Karua stated, "Kindly take note that our stay in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is not tenable due to the prevailing political developments.”

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua during a joint media address on September 15, 2023.

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Azimio TV

“As NARC Kenya by way of this letter, we are giving notice to exit the Coalition as stipulated in the exit clause(s) in the Coalition Agreement. This notice is effective from the date of this letter."

Notably, Karua was the presidential running mate for Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition led by opposition chief Raila Odinga.

Her letter came in the backdrop of political turbulence within the Azimio la Umoja Coalition over a dalliance with the government they had discredited.

In the latest development, Raila’s allies including ODM Deputy Party leaders Hassan Ali Joho (Ministry of Mining) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Ministry of Cooperatives) were nominated to key cabinet positions.

ODM Chairman John Mbadi (Treasury) and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi (Ministry of Energy) were also nominated as well.

A section of leaders have come out guns blazing over the move conflicting with the outcomes, saying that the nominations were not agreed upon in both the Orange Democratic Movement and Azimio la Umoja's Parliamentary Group Meetings.

Some ODM Members of Parliament held a press briefing on Thursday, July 25, distancing themselves from the move by some leaders to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The party leader has given the conflict a wide berth, failing to confirm whether he held talks with his political nemesis or whether he was aware of the nominations they termed surprising.

The confusion and the political heat seem to have angered, Martha Karua who is a stickler for constitutionalism and a key champion of integrity.

NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua at a rally in Narok on July 4, 2022

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Martha Karua