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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has maintained that the ODM party has not entered a coalition agreement with President William Ruto.

In a statement, he acknowledged that Ruto nominated four members of his party to the Cabinet.

However, he maintained that the nominations were not part of any agreement between Ruto, his party or Azimio la Umoja.

"I have taken note of President William Ruto's announcement yesterday regarding the reconstitution of the cabinet to include four members from ODM.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (centre), former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, and former Mombasa governor Ali Hassan at Wajir County on March 1, 2024.

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Raila Odinga

"As articulated in our statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, neither the ODM Party nor Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has entered into any coalition agreement with President Ruto's UDA party," he stated.

Further, Raila wished those who had been nominated all the best in their work noting that the nominees were competent and would contribute to the country's growth.

Those who were nominated to the Cabinet include Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), John Mbadi (Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).

Notably, the ODM boss did not reveal whether Ruto consulted him before making the nominations.

"We extend our best wishes to the nominees and trust that they will contribute positively to national development," he added.

Meanwhile, he demanded for the government to hasten the national dialogue that was proposed by the President.

Raila indicated that the dialogue would be important in addressing issues raised by Kenyans during the protests.

His other demands were the release of arrested protesters and accountability for police officers.

Read the Statement Below:

I have taken note of President William Ruto's announcement yesterday regarding the reconstitution of the cabinet to include four members from ODM.

As articulated in our statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, neither the ODM Party nor Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has entered into any coalition agreement with President Ruto's UDA party.

We had anticipated the crafting of clear terms of engagement based on issues we raised in our various communiques. 

While we extend our best wishes to the nominees and trust that they will contribute positively to national development, we continue to advocate for a national engagement under the conditions we have previously outlined as below: 

1. Compensation to the families of the victims of extra-judicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year. 

2. Release of all persons in custody and termination of all cases related to protests since last year. 

3. Prosecution of policemen involved in shooting to kill or maim protestors. ODM remains steadfast in upholding its foundational principles of democracy, good governance, and social justice. 

These principles shall at all times guide our actions and decisions as we strive for the betterment of our nation. We urge all stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of unity and progress for the prosperity of all Kenyans.

President William Ruto during an engagement with Kenyans on X Spaces on July 5, 2024.

PCS

President William Ruto on Thursday nominated Douglas Kanja to the position of Inspector General of Police hardly a fortnight after the resignation of Japhet Koome.

According to Ruto, Douglas Kanja boasts a stellar career spanning nearly four decades in law enforcement, a period which saw him rise through the ranks to the top command of the service.

“In accordance with Article 245 (2) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President has nominated Douglas Kanja Kirocho for appointment as the Inspector-General of the National Police Service,” Ruto said in a statement.

In the same press release, the Head of State also appointed Eliud Langat to the position of Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service.

Ruto also appointed Gilbert Masengeli as the new Deputy Inspector-General (Administration Police Service). 

The president announced that Masengeli will be the acting Inspector General pending Kanja's confirmation as a substantive IG. 

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho during a media briefing on July 23, 2024.

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National Police Service

Before his nomination, Kanja served as Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service. He also served as the Commandant of the General Service Unit for five years and as Deputy Commandant of the General Service Unit for three years.

Additionally, Kanja served as the County Police Commander of Kilifi County, Deputy Commandant of the Kenya Airports Police Unit, Chief Armourer at the Police Headquarters and Deputy Chief Armourer at the Kenya Police Service Headquarters.

"The IG Nominee has undertaken extensive security-related training at home and abroad. A career police officer who has served for a cumulative period of thirty-nine years," Ruto revealed.

Kanja's career in the service began way back in 1985 when he was recruited as a Police Constable before he was promoted to Police Corporal, Acting Inspector of Police, Inspector of Police (IP) and then Chief Inspector of Police.

He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Police then later to Senior Superintendent of Police and to Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police. 

His career progressively soared after he was appointed as the Commissioner of Police and Assistant Inspector General.

Kanja is set to be vetted by both the National Assembly and the Senate. If his nomination is approved, he would replace Japhet Koome who stepped down two weeks ago.

The latest announcement comes against the backdrop of Ruto's nomination of cabinet secretaries whose fate awaits parliamentary scrutiny.

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

Kenyans.co.ke

President William Ruto on Wednesday, July 24, nominated the second batch of cabinet secretaries whose names will be forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting.

The proposed Cabinet Secretaries are: John Mbadi (National Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Investment Trade and Industry), Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports).

Others appointed were: Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs Development), Justin Muturi (Public Service), and Stella Lang'at (Gender, Culture, Arts & Heritage).

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was the largest winner in the nominations with its members taking lucrative positions in Ruto's cabinet.

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga (middle) endorsing Wycliffe Oparanya (left) and Ali Hassan Joho (right) as new ODM leaders on March 7, 2024

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Azimio Tv

This was despite an earlier statement by ODM that its members would not be part of Ruto's cabinet. 

In the new lineup, ODM Chairman John Mbadi will be in charge of the nation's coffers while deputy party leaders Joho and Oparanya will be in charge of Mining and Cooperative dockets respectively.

Additionally, Ugenya MP Opiyo Wandayi will have to relinquish his position as National Assembly Minority Leader to take up the position of Energy and Petroleum previously headed by Davis Chirchir.

Former Public Service CS Moses Kuria was among the notable figures of Ruto's former cabinet who were not nominated back to the Executive. 

Other former cabinet secretaries who missed renomination were Zachary Njeru (Water and Sanitation), Ezekiel Machogu (Education), Njuguna Ndung'u (Treasury) and Aisha Jumwa (Gender).

On Friday, July 19, President Ruto nominated the first batch of cabinet secretaries and Attorney General. 

The nominees were; Prof Kithure Kindiki (Interior and National Administration), Alice Wahome (Lands, Public Works, Urban Development and Housing),  and Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport).

Others were; Dr Debra Mlongo Barasa (Health), Julius Migosi Ogamba (Education), Dr Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture and Livestock Development),  Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation) and  Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u (Information, Communication and Digital Economy).

Former Garissa Town MP Aden Duale was nominated to take up the Defence docket while Soipan Tuya was nominated to take up the Ministry of Environment but President Ruto on Tuesday, July 23 swapped the two.

This means Duale if approved, will be the new Environment CS while Tuya will be in charge of the Defence docket.

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga hold a press briefing outside KICC on Tuesday, July 9, 2023.

PCS

President William Ruto has executed a significant cabinet reshuffle barely days after naming a proposed cabinet, moving Aden Duale from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, and nominating Soipan Tuya as the new Defence Cabinet Secretary.

This shake-up comes amid mounting pressure on Ruto to address demands for a more dynamic and reform-focused cabinet.

The unexpected reshuffle announced through a submission to Parliament read by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, follows intense scrutiny and public dissatisfaction with Ruto's earlier cabinet choices.

The President's attempt to overhaul his team comes amid mounting criticism and pressure from various sectors, including youth groups, church leaders, and civil society organisations.

Duale, who has been the Defence CS, will now oversee environmental and climate issues, a role that Ruto has been keen on since taking power in 2022. Meanwhile, Tuya, previously in the Ministry of Environment, steps into the defence role.

President William Ruto (left) chats with former CS of Agriculture Mithika Linturi (center) and CS of Environment Aden Duale.

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UDA Party

This cabinet realignment follows the unveiling of Ruto's initial list of nominated Cabinet Secretaries on Friday, July 19. The proposed appointments had already stirred controversy, with many critics accusing Ruto of lacking genuine reform and continuing to favour established figures over new, invigorating voices.

The reappointment of several old faces, including Kithure Kindiki, Alice Wahome, Davis Chirchir, and Rebecca Miano, has been met with scepticism. Critics argue that the list fails to reflect the transformative change demanded by Kenya's youth, civil society, and church leaders, who have been vocal in their calls for a fresh approach.

Ruto’s task of reshaping his administration is complicated by the need to balance demands for change with the need to retain support from his political base as he prepares for the 2027 election.

The President is expected to announce additional cabinet positions soon, and speculation is rife about the potential involvement of opposition leader Raila Odinga in the selection process.

On Friday, the President's cabinet announcements were further overshadowed by a reported last-minute withdrawal of Odinga's nominees, throwing the final composition of the cabinet into uncertainty.

This move has intensified speculation about ongoing negotiations and the extent of Odinga’s influence on the new cabinet’s formation.

In a response to his reassignment, Duale expressed his gratitude through social media, stating, “I am grateful to President William Ruto for reassigning me to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. I look forward to focusing on sustainable environmental management and addressing climate change challenges.” 

Duale also quoted from the Quran, reflecting on the nature of change and the divine wisdom behind it.

Former Environment and Forestry CS Soipan Tuya appears before the National Assembly Committee on appointments on October 19, 2022.

Twitter

National Assembly

President William Ruto has shaken up his cabinet, nominating Rebecca Miano, former Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, as the new Attorney General.

This move comes as part of Ruto’s effort to form a new, broad-based cabinet aimed at driving transformative changes in Kenya.

If approved, Miano will replace Justin Muturi, the former National Assembly Speaker and Attorney General.

Muturi at the tail end of his tenure as AG, faced criticism for allegedly misadvising the government on various issues, although he has consistently denied these claims.

His tenure as AG saw reports suggesting his advice was often overlooked, a situation that came to light when a local daily claimed his office was not consulted on key government decisions, such as the deployment of the military during protests against the Finance Bill 2024.

Rebecca Miano, 58, has been a favourite of both the public and President Ruto since she took over the Trade docket.

Former Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Rebecca Miano speaks during the launch of the Karibu Business Support Centre on April15, 2024

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Rebecca Miano

She was one of the Cabinet Secretaries dismissed by Ruto on Thursday, July 11, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi being the only one retained. Mudavadi will continue to serve as the head of all ministries until the new cabinet is fully constituted.

Miano's background: Before her role in the Ministry of Trade, she served as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development.

She has extensive experience in corporate governance, having been the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN). Miano also served as KENGEN's Legal Secretary before ascending to the company's top leadership.

Miano holds a Master of Laws in Corporate Law and a Bachelor of Laws. She is a registered Certified Public Secretary and a member of both the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK).

Her expertise and leadership have been recognised with several awards, including the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya in 2010 and the Company Secretary of the Year award under the ICPSK Champions of Governance.

Muturi’s woes: Muturi's departure from the AG’s office marks the end of a contentious tenure.

Known for his long service in the judiciary and as a legislator, Muturi was seen as a legal steward. However, his term as AG was marred by allegations that his legal advice was often bypassed.

Despite his denials, these claims have cast a shadow over his time in office.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.

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President William Ruto nominated 11 new members of his Cabinet after days of extensive consultation with his allies in the government and the opposition.

While addressing the Nation on Friday, July 19, the President proposed to retain some of his previous Cabinet members including Kithure Kindiki who served as the Interior CS in the last Cabinet.

Kindiki was proposed to retain his position in the Interior docket.

Nominated Interior CS Kithure Kindiki speaking in Kisii County on Monday, March 25, 2024.

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Ministry of Interior

Former CSs who were recommended to retain their positions include Alice Wahome (Lands), Aden Duale (Defence) and Soipan Tuya (Environment).

Meanwhile, former Energy CS Davis Chirchir was nominated to the Roads and Transport docket. 

Former Trade CS Rebecca Miano was nominated as the new Attorney General, replacing Justin Muturi.

New entrants to the Cabinet include Debra Mlongo Barasa (Health), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture), Eric Muriithi Mugaa (Water) and Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u (ICT).

"Further consultations are ongoing after which I will announce more names in due course," Ruto announced.

Ruto also indicated that he would be announcing a new direction for his new Cabinet expressing that his administration would be focusing on job creation, accountability, and debt management among others.

"We are enhancing, broadening and deepening the national economic turnaround Plan set out in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to incorporate a wider range of ideas, programmes and interventions that will facilitate job creation, robust debt management, enhanced transparency and accountability in the use of public resources and enhanced domestic resource mobilisation, and optimise public expenditure," he announced.

What Next:  Following the nomination of a section of his Cabinet, Parliament is expected to begin plans to vet the nominees and approve their nomination.

The new 11 Cabinet nominees include:

• Ministry of the Interior and National Administration - Prof  Kithure Kindiki
• Ministry of Health - Dr Debra Mlongo Barasa
• Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development - Alice Wahome
• Ministry of Education - Julius Migos Ogamba
• Ministry of Defence - Aden Barre Duale
• Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development - Dr Andrew Mwihia Karanja
• Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry - Roselinda Soipan Tuiya
• Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation - Eric Muriithi Mugaa
• Ministry of Roads and Transport - Davis Chirchir
• Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy - Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u
• Attorney-General - Rebecca Miano 

Former Trade CS Rebecca Miano speaking during her son's wedding on April 6, 2024.

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Rebecca Miano

Stephen Gitagama, the Chief Executive Officer of Nation Media Group (NMG), East Africa’s largest media house, is stepping down at the end of July 2024. 

This unexpected announcement comes with the revelation that 80 per cent of the NMG Board of Directors will also be resigning.  Sources have revealed to Kenyans.co.ke that the CEO is currently biding farewell to employees at the twin towers.

Gitagama, who has helmed NMG for seven years, conveyed the news to employees on Friday. "My tenure as CEO at NMG will come to an end by August 1st," he stated. 

"I’m leaving behind a very strong team, and with the dedication you have, I believe you will go far."

On Friday, Nation Media Group (NMG) confirmed that Stephen Gitagama will retire as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director effective 1 August 2024.

Gitagama joined NMG in September 2007 as Group Finance Director, later rising to CEO in June 2018. He has also served as an Executive Member of the Board since March 2008.

NMG Chairman Dr. Wilfred Kiboro at a past event in Nyahururu, July 9.

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NMG

“NMG thanks Gitagama for his dedication,” the group stated. “He has expertly guided us through a challenging era marked by digital transformation, implementing crucial changes to secure our position in the evolving media landscape.”

The notice highlighted Gitagama's role in steering NMG through organisational shifts, including news integration and digital strategy advancements. “His leadership has been vital in aligning our talent and performance management with our digital objectives,” the group added.

The departure of Gitagama follows the company's turbulent period marked by multiple rounds of layoffs. The most recent layoffs in May and June affected over 16 employees, making it the fifth wave of job cuts since Gitagama succeeded former CEO Joe Muganda. 

This series of layoffs has cast a shadow over Gitagama’s tenure, raising concerns about the company’s stability.

However, sources within the company have confirmed that Gitagama is indeed leaving and has started bidding farewell to his colleagues. 

The resignation, according to insiders, came after an early morning board meeting, suggesting a sudden and possibly contentious decision.

Kenyans.co.ke understands Richard Tobiko, the current Chief Financial Officer, will step in as interim CEO, navigating NMG through this period of significant transition. Tobiko’s task will not be an easy one, as he inherits a company in the midst of a leadership vacuum and workforce unrest.

The mass resignation of board members adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Such a large-scale exodus at the top echelon of the company is rare and indicates potential underlying issues within the organisation’s governance. 

This upheaval has sent shockwaves through the media industry, with many speculating on the future direction of NMG.

Nation Media Group building located at Kimathi Street in Nairobi CBD

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Nation

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced fuel prices that will take effect from midnight of July 15 to August 14, 2024.

In the latest review announced on Sunday, July 14, EPRA reduced the price of Super Petrol by Ksh1.

Diesel prices were reduced by Ksh1.50 while Kerosene was reduced by Ksh1.30.

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene decrease by Ksh.1.00 per litre, Ksh.1.50 per litre and Ksh.1.30 per litre respectively," read the notice in part.

A man fueling a car at a petrol station

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New Vision

Following the review, pump prices for Super Petrol in Nairobi will be Ksh188.84. On the other hand, Diesel and Kerosene will be sold at Ksh171.6 and Ksh161.75 in Nairobi respectively.

Previously, Super Petrol retailed at Ksh189.84 in the capital city. On the other hand, Diesel and Kerosene were sold at Ksh173.10 and Ksh163.05 respectively.

Consequently, a litre of super petrol will retail at Ksh185.66 in Mombasa, Ksh187.90 in Nakuru and Ksh188.67 in Eldoret.

Diesel, on the other hand, will cost Ksh168.43 in Mombasa, Ksh171.04 in Nakuru and Ksh171.81 in Eldoret.

Kerosene will be valued at Ksh158.7 in Mombasa, Ksh161.27 in Nakuru and Ksh162.04 in Eldoret.

"The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020," advised EPRA.

EPRA further noted that the average landed cost of imported super petrol decreased by 4.65 per cent in June compared to May while diesel reduced by 1.19 per cent. Kerosene's landed cost increased by 2.01 per cent in June as compared to May.

"The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol decreased by 4.65% from US$750.95 per cubic metre in May 2024 to US$716.03 per cubic metre in June 2024; Diesel decreased by 1.19% from US$690.99 per cubic metre to US$682.73 per cubic metre while Kerosene increased by 2.01% from US$679.14 per cubic metre to US$692.80 per cubic metre," added EPRA.

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

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EPRA

President William Ruto on Friday, July 12, announced the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome.

In a statement, Ruto accepted the resignation of Koome to facilitate the transition within the top leadership of the National Police Service (NPS).

Following the decision by Koome to step down, Ruto designated Douglas Kanja as the acting IG pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of Koome's replacement.

"The Head of State has, in accordance with Section 16 of the National Police Service Act, designated Douglas Kanja, CBS the Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service as the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service," Ruto announced.

NPS Inspector General Japhet Koome addressing officers in Turkana County on February 14, 2023.

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NPS

In equal measure, the Head of State also announced the appointment of Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the Commissioner General of Prisons.

Arandu takes over from Brigadier John Warioba, who is proceeding on terminal leave pending the end of his tenure of office.

Similarly, President Ruto announced the redeployment of Noor Gabow, within the Public Service.

Ruto also designated Eliud Langat as the acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and James Kamau as the acting Deputy Inspector General under the Administration Police Service.

Ranson Lolmodooni was appointed the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU) and Gilbert Masengeli as the Commandant of the Administration Police Training College (APTC) in Embakasi, Nairobi.

Ruto further appointed William Yiampoy as the Director of Operations within the Police Headquarters. Additionally, he appointed Kainga Mathiu as the Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA) in Ngong, Nairobi.

While announcing the changes within the police service, Ruto expressed his gratitude to the outgoing IG, Japhet Koome, for his service to the nation.

"The changes notified within our homeland security agencies take effect immediately," read part of State House Spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed's statement.

President William Ruto.

PCS

President William Ruto on Thursday dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries including the Attorney General, Justin Muturi.

Giving an address at the State House, the Head of State noted that only the offices of the Deputy President and the Prime Cabinet Secretary were unaffected.

According to the President, the move was in line with the demands made by Kenyans during the recent nationwide demonstrations.

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

President William Ruto and his Cabinet posing for a photo after a meeting on July 5, 2024.

PCS

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

"Upon reflection and listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges," Ruto stated.

"I have today in line with the powers given to me decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the CSs and AG except the PCS and CS for Foreign Affairs and the office of the DP is not affected in any way," he added.

According to Ruto, following the decision, he would kick off engagements across different sectors and political formations including Kenyans in both private and public sectors to set up a broad base government.

Ruto noted the forthcoming engagements would assist him in accelerating and expediting the necessary, urgent and irreversible, implementation of radical programs to deal with the burden of debt and raising domestic resources.

"During this process, the operations of government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials," Ruto announced.

"I will be announcing additional measures in due course," he added.

In an analogous announcement in 2005, Kenya's third President Mwai Kibaki overhauled his Cabinet, becoming the first Head of State to make such a decision.

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga hold a press briefing outside KICC on Tuesday, July 9, 2023.

PCS