Aden Duale Touted for Key Cabinet Post in Ruto's Govt

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale addressing Garissa residents during a bursary presentation ceremony on Saturday, May 21, 2022
Garissa Township MP Aden Duale addressing Garissa residents during a bursary presentation ceremony on Saturday, May 21, 2022
Aden Duale

President William Ruto is working around the clock to name a Cabinet that will steer his economic development agenda in the country for the next five years.

Among the names touted to feature in the list include his loyal ally, Garissa Township Member of Parliament Aden Duale. 

The outspoken legislator who has been a close ally to President Ruto may be rewarded with the Ministry of Defence or Interior owing to his loyalty.

Duale was a centrepiece of Ruto's campaigns, and their relationship has grown fonder after the swearing-in ceremony. Key indicators that Duale may join the Executive include his recent tasks in the Kenya Kwanza leadership ranks.

From Right: Presidents aide Farouk Kibet,  Former National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi and Garissa Town MP Aden Duale (left)  consulting each other at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13, 2022
From Right: President William Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet, Attorney General Justin Muturi and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale (left) consulting each other at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Kenyans.co.ke

Immediately after the Supreme Court validated Ruto's win, Duale was among the only leaders who prayed for his leadership.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Duale also ensured its success after Ruto tasked him with welcoming world leaders who graced the Tuesday, September 13 inauguration. Specifically, Duale met and welcomed Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The vocal lawmaker was also among the leaders present during the swearing-in of the six judges at the State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 14. 

Another indication pointing at Duale joining Cabinet is Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah eyeing the leader of the majority seat in the National Assembly. This position, according to insiders, was poised to be handed over to Duale. 

Already, Ruto explained that his cabinet would have a national outlook with  50 per cent women.

Other than Duale, Amani National Congress (ANC) Party leader Musalia Mudavadi was promised the Chief Cabinet Minister post. With the position, Mudavadi is expected to lead cabinet businesses in Ruto's government.

Others seen as potential CSs in Ruto's cabinet include former Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki.

In his Rift Valley region, former CS Simon Chelugui may be appointed to the water docket, which he once held under Uhuru Kenyatta's administration.

Head of Ruto's campaign secretariat and immediate former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok has also been touted to join Cabinet. 

From the Pastoral communities, Katoo Ole Metito is expected to lobby for the Defence docket which Duale is a favourite to land.

Ababu Namwamba.
President William Ruto signs an executive order on September 13, 2022, at State House Nairobi. Looking on are Davis Chirchir (left) Ababu Namwamba and Deputy President Rigfathi Gachagua.
PCS

From the Mt Kenya region, Kandara MP Alice Wahome, former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi eye key Cabinet posts. 

In the Nyanza region, former Migori governor Okoth Obado and Kisii governor aspirant, Ezekiel Machogu, lead the list of probable nominees. 

Former Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, former Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and ex-Mombasa gubernatorial candidate Hassan Omar are among the leaders who may join the Executive from the Coast.

Other leaders likely to be appointed include former Foreign Affairs CAS, Ababu Namwamba and ex-Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.