In recent developments, President William Ruto is encountering significant pressure to reconsider his decision to sack several Cabinet Secretaries (CSs). The push for reappointment is gaining momentum on the ground, driven by Ruto’s allies who argue that some of the dismissed CSs performed commendably while in office.

During a roadside rally at Keringet Market in Nakuru County, Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui publicly lobbied for the reinstatement of at least four former Cabinet Secretaries. Addressing the crowd, Tonui emphasized that while he generally supports the President’s efforts to reform the cabinet, he believes a complete overhaul is unnecessary. He pointed out that a few of the ousted CSs had shown satisfactory performance that merited their return to the government.

“I don’t support that you do a clean sweep on the cabinet; there are some good cabinet secretaries, at least the four that I am defending,” Tonui stated, though he did not disclose the names of the CSs he was advocating for.

The MP further revealed that the President’s decision to dissolve the cabinet took many members of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition by surprise. This unexpected move came shortly after a meeting held between the coalition members and President Ruto at his office, leading to a sense of unease among the political allies.

Tonui also touched on the broader context of political stability and economic reforms in the country. He noted that normalcy should resume now that significant issues, particularly those concerning the youth, had been addressed with the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill, 2024. The bill had sparked widespread debate and opposition but has since been shelved.

Defending his initial support for the Finance Bill, Tonui asserted that it was aimed at facilitating the development his constituents desired. He stressed the importance of understanding the long-term benefits that the bill was supposed to bring, despite its controversial nature.

The call for the reappointment of the sacked CSs highlights the internal dynamics and differing opinions within the ruling coalition. As President Ruto navigates this period of political pressure and lobbying, the decisions he makes regarding his cabinet will likely have significant implications for his administration’s stability and effectiveness moving forward.