Ruto must get it right with the Cabinet to govern effectively

President William Ruto during the commissioning of the Chemususu Water Supply Project at Muserech in Eldama Ravine on August 2, 2024.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

While being interviewed on a local radio station, lawyer Ahmednassir said, "If President Ruto does not get his cabinet right this time, we will know he is the problem". Ruto recently fired his entire cabinet, which signalled a shift towards accountability and professional governance. However, the reappointment of some members has left Kenyans questioning whether the root of Kenya's leadership crisis lies with the president.

Kenya's political landscape has long been plagued by tokenism and cronyism, with cabinet positions often awarded based on political loyalty rather than merit. This practice has fostered a culture of self-enrichment among cabinet secretaries, with little regard for public accountability. It is no coincidence that many of Kenya's billionaires have political ties, having amassed their wealth during their time in government.