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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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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