BY STANDARD TEAM
Leaders in the Rift Valley have endorsed the list of Cabinet nominees by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Nominated Senator Liz Chelule said the list shows the two leaders were committed to fulfilling an array of pledges they made to Kenyans through the Jubilee manifesto.
“The list contains men and women who have proved themselves in their various professional fields and we are optimistic that they will deliver,” she said.
She hailed the choice of Ms Raychelle Omamo as the Defence Secretary nominee saying her appointment portrayed the President’s confidence in women leading key ministries in Government.
“Her appointment is something that many did not expect. It is a pleasant surprise to not women in this country and but Africa at large,” said Ms Chelule.
Molo MP Jacob Macharia who was attending a leaders meeting in his constituency hailed the appointments but noted that Nakuru County which voted overwhelmingly for the President was not considered for a slot in the Cabinet.
At Eldama Ravine town, the announcement of Phyllis Jepkosgei as East Africa Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet nominee got the locals by surprise with those who knew her describing her as a humble and down to earth woman.
Lembus council of elders vice chairman Joseph Leboo said the nominee although married elsewhere did not fail the community and thanked the Jubilee Government for recognizing womens’ participation in nation building by giving them lucrative dockets in the Cabinet.
“As a community we appreciate the Government for giving her such an opportunity,” said Leboo.
In Narok, a group of Masai professionals welcomed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s choice for Cabinet secretaries but faulted him for recycling politicians who contested and lost in the last General Election.
“The team is good but the President let down Kenyans who expected it will be composed of professionals who are not politicians. The inclusion of Najib Balala and Charity Ngilu is a big let down,” said Jackson Saika, the chairman of Masai Professionals Association.
The group also faulted the President for retaining Kimemia as the Secretary to the Cabinet, saying he is baggage and a carryover from the Kibaki administration whose image has in the past been tainted.
“Kimemia will be baggage who will spend his time doing things the old way. The president ought to have given that position to somebody who would have brought in fresh ideas,” said Saika in Narok.
By Steve Mkawale, Vincent Mabatuk and Kipchumba Kemei
