Kanze Dena Addresses Cabinet Reshuffle Claims as CSs Go on Leave

photo of President Uhuru Kenyatta chairing a Cabinet meeting at State House Nairobi on March 19, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta chairs a Cabinet meeting at State House Nairobi on March 19, 2020.
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State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena has addressed the nature of leave all cabinet secretaries were compelled to take by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday, August 15.

Uhuru sent home all Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Chief Administrative Secretaries, for a period of 11 days.

The decision raised eyebrows with many Kenyans speculating that the Head of State was preparing to reshuffle his cabinet with supporters of Deputy President William Ruto reported to be on the chopping board.

Dena quelled the rumours explaining that the leave was a regular recess exercise explaining that other Commonwealth countries often sent their ministers on leave.

State House spokesperson Kanze Dena addressed the nation at State House in 2019.
State House spokesperson Kanze Dena addressed the nation at State House in 2019.
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"It is normal for cabinet to go on working recess three times in a year, in April, August and December, not just in Kenya but across the commonwealth." explained Dena.

In a statement, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua indicated that that the cabinet would not be scheduled for any engagements for the 11 days.

He, however, noted that cabinet secretaries would be contacted for important matters by the president or in case of a national emergency.

In July, reports indicated that at least four cabinet secretaries had been marked for dismissal.

Further, sources had indicated that one powerful minister would be moved to a less influential docket. 

In his last reshuffle in January 2020, Uhuru sent home former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri who was replaced by Peter Munya. Kiunjuri has since launched his own party (The Service Party) and ruled out running for a gubernatorial position.

In the reshuffle, Mutahi Kagwe, one of the new faces appointed at the time, replaced Sicily Kariuki at the Health Ministry.

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta
File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta
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