President William Ruto allies who lost the 2022 General Election dominated the list of candidates shortlisted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) for Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions.
Majority of the candidates set to appear before the PSC interview panel on Wednesday March 1, also played a key role in Ruto's ascendency to the presidency.
From digital strategist, Dennis Itumbi to former women representatives, Millicent Omanga (Nairobi) and Cate Waruguru (Laikipia).
According to the PSC shortlist released on Monday February 20, some shortlisted candidates also switched allegiance from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to the Kenya Kwanza government.
Azimio rebels listed in the CAS positions included former Kisii governor James Ongwae and his deputy Joash Maangi, who pledged their loyalty to Ruto after August 2022 polls.
Former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa and The United Democratic Movement (UDM) candidate for Siaya gubernatorial race, Nicholas Gumbo, were also listed. Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, who lost to ODM's Glady Wanga in Homa Bay gubernatorial race, was also shortlisted.
Ruto allies, Purity Ngirici, who lost in the Kirinyaga gubernatorial race to Anne Mumbi Waiguru, topped the list of candidates seeking to fill CAS positions in Ruto's administration.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, who lost to Azimio's Edwin Sifuna in Nairobi senatorial race, also made it to the shortlist, alongside Charles Njagua Kanyi, Caleb Kositany and Gideon Keter.
Wilson Sossion, who vied for the Bomet Senatorial race but lost, was also shortlisted alongside Cleophas Malala, who lost to Fernades Barasa in the Kakamega governorship race.
Other poll losers shortlisted for CAS positions include Dennitah Ghati (Migori), former Emgwen MP Alex Kosgey, Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), Isaac Mwaura (former nominated senator), Adelina Mwau (Makueni), Rehema Jaldesa (Isiolo), Victor Munyaka, Victor Kemosi and Christopher Lang'at (Bomet).
Former KTN News presenter Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Lindah Ogutu Atieno and former Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) presenter Bonnie Musambi were also included.
Additionally, Ali Mbogo, McDonald Mariga, Mark Lomunokol, Joyce Emanikor, Jackson Kiptanui, Beatrice Nkatha and Simon Mbugua made it to the list.
Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, recently appointed TalantaHela council member, was also shortlisted for a CAS position.
PSC chairperson Anthony Muchiri invited views from the public regarding the shortlisted candidates.
"The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at the Public Service Commission, off Harambee Avenue Nairobi on March 1, 2022," the notice stated.
"They will be expected to present their national identity cards, academic and professional certificates and clearance certificates from Higher Educations Loans Board, Police clearance certificate and recommendations from relevant bodies," Muchiri directed.
