Ndii, Balala, Kivutha Kibwana Miss Out on Ruto Cabinet

A collage of Kivuthe Kibwana, David Ndii and former Tourism CS Najib Balala.jpg
A collage of former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, David Ndii, and former Tourism CS Najib Balala.
Kenyans.co.ke

Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala, ex-Makueni governor, Kivutha Kibwana and renowned economist David Ndii are among the big names who missed out on President William Ruto’s cabinet.

Former Kitui Deputy Governor Peninah Malonza was named as the Minister for Tourism - the position Balala held for 12 years intermittently since 2008. This is despite the ex-CS being the first to warm up to Ruto following his election as president.

According to Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei, the president awarded those footsoldiers who stood by him throughout his journey to State House.

Cherargei ridiculed Balala, likening him to the now-viral meme - Murife.

Deputy President William Ruto and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala at a past event.
President William Ruto and outgoing CS Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala at a past event.
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Najib Balala

H.E Ruto has rewarded loyalty, commitment, and passion to serve his government and the people. The hustler cabinet is going to be transformative, people-centred, and revolutionary.

“The fixing of the ailing economy has just begun in earnest. Najib Balala Murife just run!” the Senator exclaimed.

On his part, Ndii, who was linked to a cabinet position following his integral role in conceptualizing and explaining the bottom-up economic model, was also left out.

The finance docket was entrusted to former Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) governor, Njuguna Ndung’u, while Simon Chelugui was retained, and transferred from Labour to the Cooperatives and MSMEs ministry.

Kibwana, who joined Kenya Kwanza from Azimio after the election results and his fellow defector, former Meru governor, Kiraitu Muringi were also left out. 

Notably, the tough-talking Education CS George Magoha was also vacated from the helm of the high-stake ministry. Magoha, who stated that he would work with the incoming government if given the opportunity, did not find favour in Ruto's eyes. 

However, a number of loyalists to the Head of State including former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and ex-Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru were not considered for the prime cabinet roles. 

Nonetheless, they stand as valid candidates to be appointed as Principal Secretaries and Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) of the various ministries.

Questions also linger about Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who is a close ally o the president and was part of his delegation to America. However, Nyoro may have chosen to remain a lawmaker as an appointment would mean rescinding his seat. 

Other missing big names included the Director General of Ruto’s campaign secretary, Josphat Nanok and former KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sosssion.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro (Left), Kenya Kwanza running mate Rigathi Gachagua and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria before the Deputy Presidential debate and Catholic University of East Africa on Tuesday July 19, 2022
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro (Left), Kenya Kwanza running mate Rigathi Gachagua and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria before the Deputy Presidential debate and the Catholic University of East Africa on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
Kenyans.co.ke