- In his manifesto, Ruto promised that 50 per cent of the Cabinet slots will be given to women.
- Former Nominated Senator Mary Senate is hoping to land a Cabinet Secretary job in the new government.
Lobbying for top civil service jobs in President William Ruto’s government has begun in earnest with those who lost in the August 9 election positioning themselves for consideration.
After the election of both the two speakers of the House and their deputies, the focus has now shifted to the Executive wing of the government.
Kenya Kwanza politicians and supporters are angling for Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary jobs, positions in parastatals, Office of the President, Office of the Deputy President, Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and other government institutions.
Former Nominated Senator Mary Senata is hoping to land a Cabinet Secretary job in the new government.
Seneta, who unsuccessfully contested for the Kajiado East Constituency seat on a UDA ticket, was among the founders of Kenya Kwanza.
“If I land a Cabinet Secretary position, women of this country will have gained,” she told the Star.
Seneta was among the leaders who spearheaded presidential campaigns in Kajiado County.
In his manifesto, Ruto promised that 50 per cent of the Cabinet slots will be given to women.
Peris Tobiko, who lost to Katoo Ole Metito in the Narok UDA governor nominations had been promised a Cabinet slot but she was nominated to the Senate.
Ruto, while campaigning in the county, had indicated that Tobiko would get a Cabinet job.
Former Nominated MP Wilson Sossion is among those said to be lobbying for Cabinet positions though the ex-legislator has denied the allegations.
The ex-legislator has maintained that it is up to the President to decide whom he shall appoint to the office in his administration
“Only William Ruto, Kenya’s President-elect, knows who the ideal candidate to head the Education ministry under his government is,” said the former Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General.
Education CS Prof George Magoha has also denied that he is seeking to be considered for a State job in the next government.
“Let it be known that I am not looking for a job nor did I look for this one. There are people who are already lobbying for jobs in the next government,” said Magoha while inspecting Bondo Township Secondary School in Bondo town in July.
However, most Kenya Kwanza politicians who lost in the election are lobbying for positions albeit secretly.
Those who were leading the presidential campaign team are almost certainly guaranteed jobs.
They include Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, who served as director-general of Ruto’s presidential campaign, former Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, who lost out to Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua for the running mate position and former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria.
Former Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and former Energy CS Davis Chirchir may also land a top position in Ruto’s administration.
Others are former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader Alfred Mutua.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who was not cleared to contest the Mombasa governor seat, is also eying a plum job.
When he ditched Azimio for Kenya Kwanza, Sonko claimed he had been promised a lucrative position in Ruto’s administration.