Recently, Raila categorically said it was a matter of time before Kosgey is re-appointed to the Cabinet. This statement also dashes hopes of youthful MPs especially from Rift Valley, Western, Coast and Nairobi regions, who expected to benefit from the reshuffle had Kosgey not been let off the hook by the court.
A Moi University law lecturer and political analyst Titus Bitok says Kosgey may not return to the Industrialisation docket because of the bad blood that had developed between him and some of its senior officers.
He said the best Raila could do is to empower youthful MPs in the ODM Reloaded team by making them election co-ordinators in their own regions and not necessarily appointing them to the Cabinet.
“Appointing youthful MPs to the Cabinet would not necessarily be useful to the PM considering the remaining period before the next election. Perhaps, he should consider making them election co-ordinators in their respective backyards as their ideas resonates with youthful voters,” Bitok said.
Political analyst Kipchumba Murkomen says the expected return of Kosgey to the Cabinet would boost his quest to be Raila’s running mate in the March General Election.
Elevation to new posts
“The PM has been vocal that those facing court cases and holding public and party positions should step aside, but that worked against him because his own party chair had a case pending in court. Raila can now be free to keep hammering that point home,” Murkomen said.
MPs who are said to be among those being considered for elevation to the Cabinet include Dr Joyce Laboso (Sotik), Ababu Namwamba (Budalangi), Charles Keter (Belgut), Omondi Anyanga (Nyatike) and Polyns Ochieng (Nyakach).
Both Keter and Anyanga have been mentioned as top contenders for the Internal Security assistant minister slot.
Keter, an ally of Eldoret North MP William Ruto, who has shifted allegiance from ODM to URP has denied having been approached by the PM over the matter.
Balancing act
Assistant minister Magerer Langat was one of those said to be in the list of being considered for appointment to replace Kosgey in the Cabinet had the ODM chair not been cleared by the courts.
