Kenyan President names four key opposition leaders to new Cabinet

Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Kenyan President William Ruto named four key opposition leaders to his new Cabinet in an effort to stall anti-government protests now running into the sixth week.

Kenyan opposition leader, John Mbadi, the Chair of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was nominated to the post of Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, while the party's Deputy Leader, Wycliffe Oparanya, was nominated to occupy the post of Cabinet Secretary, Cooperatives and Micro and Small Enterprises Ministry in the proposed new Cabinet.

The new nominees would require vetting at the National Assembly, a process which has been slated for the next 28 days.

Opiyo Wandayi, who is currently the leader of the Minority Party in Parliament, was nominated for the post of Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

Another key opposition leader, Hassan Joho, was nominated the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy.

Rebecca Miano, who was earlier nominated to occupy the post of Attorney-General, was re-assigned to the post of Tourism and Wildlife. Alfred Mutua, who was previously serving in the same ministry, was nominated to the post of Labour and Social Protection.

The immediate former Attorney-General, Justin Muturi, was named to the ministry of Public Service.

President Ruto is keen on using the new cabinet to appease protesters who demanded the dissolution of the previous Cabinet, accusing it of incompetence.

The latest nominees filled key positions, but there are at least three Cabinet posts which are still to be filled.

-0- PANA AO/MA 24July2024