More Raila men tipped for cabinet slots in major shake-up

President William Ruto is expected to drop at least four Cabinet Secretaries to make way for allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga as he moves to consolidate his government.

More of Raila’s loyalists are likely to be appointed to powerful Cabinet positions following last week’s cooperation agreement, amid signs of a potential joint plan for 2027.

Insiders indicate that the Cabinet reshuffle could take place by Friday, a week after President Ruto signed a significant political pact with Raila.

It is understood that more political heavyweights are expected to benefit.

Reports suggest that at least 14 Principal Secretaries may also be dismissed to create room for individuals aligned with the former Prime Minister.

The Public Service Commission completed interviews for PS positions three weeks ago and submitted a list of top candidates to President Ruto.

 However, he has delayed the appointments while solidifying his agreement with Raila.

Several of Raila’s close allies were among those interviewed for PS positions, alongside known government loyalists.

Last Friday’s pact between Ruto and Raila outlined a ten-point agenda focused on national unity and governance reforms.

While power-sharing was not explicitly mentioned, it is understood that Raila’s allies will be integrated into government roles.

ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, the highest-ranking party official without a Cabinet position, is among those likely to be appointed.

His nomination is expected to reward the Gusii region—one of Raila’s strongholds—which did not benefit from the initial five ministerial slots granted to Raila’s camp.

Bosire, who previously declined an appointment as chairperson of the National Transport Authority (NTSA), is seen as a key figure in countering the influence of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and former Chief Justice David Maraga in Gusii politics.

Both Matiang’i and Maraga are rumoured to be potential presidential contenders in 2027, posing a challenge to Raila’s grip on the region.

Other names being floated for Cabinet positions include former Foreign Affairs CS Raphael Tuju, ex-CS Peter Munya or former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi to cover the Meru region.

Additionally, Raila is expected to allocate a Cabinet slot to the Maa and the Somali communities as part of efforts to strengthen his support base.

Regions likely to benefit from new PS appointments include Maa areas, Bondo, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Kakamega, the Coast, and North Eastern Kenya.

A senior Kenya Kwanza official told the Star that the Cabinet changes could be announced anytime between Wednesday and Friday.

“An announcement is expected between Wednesday and Friday evening,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Raila, who already secured five Cabinet positions, is expected to gain at least three more ministerial slots as Ruto undertakes a major shake-up, which could see underperforming CSs replaced.

Health CS Debora Barasa’s fate remains uncertain, with some insiders suggesting she may be reassigned to a less prestigious ministry to allow for the return of Mutahi Kagwe to the health docket.

Kagwe's anticipated exit from the Agriculture portfolio is expected to be taken up by either Munya or Kiraitu.

Speculation is growing that Barasa could be among those affected as Ruto accommodates more of Raila’s allies in the Cabinet.

Public Service CS Justin Muturi, who has become a vocal critic of the government, along with Water CS Eric Muriithi Muuga, is expected to be dropped.

The anticipated reshuffle will not only introduce new faces but also involve a significant realignment of existing ministers to make room for Raila’s allies.

Following last year’s Gen Z protests, which led to Ruto dissolving his Cabinet, Raila’s camp was allocated five key ministerial portfolios to help stabilise the government.

These include John Mbadi (National Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) and Beatrice Askul (East African Affairs).

The looming reshuffle has sparked anxiety, particularly among PSs perceived to be aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Those accused of underperformance are also at risk as Ruto looks to bring in new allies, including those linked to opposition leader Raila Odinga.