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National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed has expressed support for the recent nominations of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies into President William Ruto’s government, affirming the Opposition party’s commitment to a broad-based administration.
In a statement made on Friday, Junet stressed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) backs Ruto’s efforts to foster an inclusive government as a way of stabilizing Kenya and advancing its development agenda. He further emphasized that the government should serve all Kenyans, regardless of their region or political affiliations.
“No Kenyan should be barred from serving in government based on the region they come from. The government serves all Kenyans, and everyone pays taxes,” Junet said during a press briefing.
Junet’s remarks came in the wake of President Ruto’s cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, which saw several prominent figures from Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration appointed to key government positions. These appointments included former Cabinet Secretaries Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), William Kabogo (ICT), and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade and Industry). The reshuffle also saw Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi named Chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority, and former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura appointed as Chairperson of the Kenyatta Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital Board.
Responding to questions from the media, Junet defended these nominations, arguing that the selection process should prioritize expertise over political loyalty. He noted that the push for a broad-based government aimed at ensuring all qualified individuals, irrespective of their political backgrounds, are given an opportunity to contribute to national development.
“The broad-based government is expanding because it belongs to all Kenyans, not individuals. When some of our experts joined the government, there was noise, but if someone is qualified to work in government, let them do so,” Junet remarked.
The ODM leader also pointed out that the party had already allowed its members to join the government, and he called for similar acceptance of former Uhuru allies in Ruto’s administration. He urged critics to stop focusing on political affiliations and instead focus on the government’s ability to deliver services to the Kenyan people.
“They said ODM had joined the government, but now their people are also in government. What will they say now? Those attacking us must stop because Kenyans care about service delivery, not personalities,” he stated.
The appointments, which are still subject to parliamentary approval, form part of President Ruto’s broader strategy to tackle key national challenges, including food security, economic development, and digital transformation.
By making these strategic moves, the President appears keen to build a government that reflects the diversity of the Kenyan population, while seeking to leverage the expertise of individuals with the necessary skills to tackle the country’s pressing issues.
As the government moves forward with its reshuffling, the focus now shifts to Parliament, where the nominees await confirmation.
