President William Ruto has been met with a flood of lobbying from various regional leaders and communities, each vying for representation in the new broad-based administration.
The process has highlighted the deep-rooted regional dynamics that continue to influence Kenyan politics.
The Luo Council of Elders was among the first to vocalize their support for a nominee from their community.
Speaking on behalf of the council, a spokesperson expressed their wish to see Eliud Owalo reappointed or considered for another cabinet position.
"As the Luo Council of Elders, we had one flag that was given to our son Eliud Owalo. We are requesting President William Ruto to consider him for re-appointment. He can also consider his name in other Cabinet positions. We are behind him, he is a good son," the spokesperson said.
In Baringo South, residents have echoed similar sentiments, calling on President Ruto to remember their constituency in the nominations.
A community representative emphasized the potential within their ranks, highlighting the readiness of their educated youth, women, and men to take on the responsibilities of a cabinet position.
“We urge the President to remember the residents of Baringo South as he prepares nominations for the second batch of Cabinet Secretaries. We have educated youth, women, and men who are equal to the task,” the residents stated, pressing for regional inclusion in the national leadership.
Elected leaders from Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties have also united in their lobbying efforts, specifically pushing for the reappointment of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
During a thanksgiving service at PCEA Jennifer Njuki Memorial Church in Chuka/Igambang'ombe Constituency, the leaders, led by Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Speaker John Mbabu, and Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayubu Bundi, made a strong case for Kindiki's return.
"We have agreed to unite Meru to speak in one language. We have plans to have a consultative meeting with MCAs from Meru and Tharaka Nithi so that we can unify the region for the sake of regional development. As the people of Meru, we also support the call to have Kindiki back in the cabinet," Njuki declared, pointing to Kindiki's performance in the previous administration as justification for his reappointment.
Mombasa County has also raised concerns over the lack of coastal representation in the cabinet nominations.
Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri quickly criticised the initial nominations, expressing disappointment over the exclusion of leaders from the coastal region.
"We have seen the president has nominated 11 cabinet secretaries and an Attorney General. The president said he was looking at a broad-based government. When you look at the 11 nominees, I have not seen even one person from the Coast, and therefore we do not agree that there is unity," Khatri stated.
He further highlighted the qualifications of former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho as a suitable candidate for a cabinet position.
"Looking around, we have one of our own, Hassan Ali Joho. Isn't he enough? Doesn't he have enough experience? Did you see his work when he was Mombasa governor for 10 years?" Khatri questioned.
In the latest nominations, Ruto has nominated some of the leaders pushed by locals.
While nominating the first batch of Cabinet Secretaries, Kindiki made it back to the ministry awaiting vetting.
Joho has made it to the list of appointees in the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy.
