Cabinet reshuffle jitters as Ruto prepares to address the nation

By Newsflash Writer

Political anxiety has gripped the country ahead of President William Ruto’s expected address to the nation Thursday evening, with speculation mounting that he could announce significant changes in his administration, including a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

According to sources within State House, the President is expected to address the nation from 7.30 pm, although the agenda of the address had not been made public by the time of publishing.

The anticipated speech comes barely two weeks after the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) suffered a major political setback in the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

UDA candidate Samuel Muchina lost to Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru in a contest that has been widely interpreted as a political statement from the Mt Kenya region against the ruling party.

The defeat has intensified pressure on President Ruto to review his political strategy in the region, with some leaders reportedly calling for changes within government as the administration seeks to rebuild its support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Cabinet speculation intensifies

The President’s address also comes amid growing speculation over the fate of several Cabinet Secretaries drawn from the Mt Kenya region.

Political observers believe the Ol Kalou outcome could trigger changes in government as President Ruto seeks to strengthen his administration and respond to shifting political dynamics.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki remains the most senior government official from the region. Other key figures from Mt Kenya serving in the Cabinet include Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome; Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe; Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo; Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku; Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui; Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muriithi Muuga and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Photo/DPPS

The expected address also coincides with reports suggesting that Kindiki has lost some of his influential government responsibilities to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

The reports alleged that President Ruto had designated Mudavadi to administer the Intergovernmental Relations Act, a function previously associated with the Deputy President’s office.

They further claimed that Kindiki no longer chairs the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), the body responsible for coordinating fiscal relations between the national and county governments.

However, Kindiki dismissed the claims, insisting, “Nothing has changed,” in response to reports that his responsibilities had been reduced.

Kalonzo factor

The President’s address also comes at a time of heightened political manoeuvring within the Opposition.

Questions have emerged over the political calculations of Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka after he slowed down his public engagements compared to other opposition principals such as Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Despite repeatedly maintaining that he will not work with President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, Newsflash has learnt that senior government officials have been making overtures aimed at persuading Kalonzo to join the government.

“Such a move, if successful, would significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape and potentially weaken the Opposition’s efforts to forge a united front ahead of the next General Election,” says Prof David Monda, a US -based political analyst.

Kalonzo’s communications team had not responded to Newsflash’s enquiries by the time of publishing.