From Critics to Cabinet: Inside Ruto's Latest CS Picks

In a significant reshaping of Kenya's cabinet, President William Ruto has brought former critics and business leaders into his government, marking a notable shift in political alignments. The appointments, while controversial, showcase Ruto's strategy of building a diverse leadership team.

William Kabogo, a billionaire businessman with a declared net worth of Sh3 billion, has secured the ICT Cabinet Secretary position. During his vetting, Kabogo made headlines with his ambitious plans to regulate social media and defended his leadership style, characterizing himself as "serious rather than arrogant."

The Trade ministry will now be headed by Lee Kinyanjui, whose appointment raised eyebrows due to his previous criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government. During vetting, Kinyanjui stood firm on his past critical stance, arguing that constructive criticism demonstrates independent thinking and commitment to public service.

Mutahi Kagwe's vetting process brought past controversies to the forefront, particularly regarding KEMSA-related issues. Despite these challenges, Kagwe, along with Kabogo and Kinyanjui, received Parliament's approval - albeit with warnings attached to their confirmations.

The three Cabinet Secretaries were subsequently sworn in at State House and have already begun making fresh appointments within their respective ministries. Their transition from critics and private sector leaders to cabinet members reflects a broader pattern in Ruto's governance approach - one that emphasizes inclusion and pragmatic leadership over political loyalty.

This cabinet reshuffle represents a significant moment in Kenyan politics, where former opposition figures now find themselves at the heart of government operations. The success of these appointments will likely depend on how well these new Cabinet Secretaries can translate their diverse experiences into effective governance.