The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has defended the nominations of four ODM party officials into the cabinet of President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
In a statement on Thursday, July 25, 2024, UDA noted that the nominations had been made following extensive talks and exuded confidence that it would enable economic transformation in the country.
“The broad-based Cabinet is a result of extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, including both private and public sectors. This inclusive approach ensures that the Cabinet represents the entire political spectrum and truly reflects the face of Kenya,” UDA said in a statement.
UDA also added that the new cabinet will provide a stable environment where all Kenyans can create wealth, gain employment and thrive.
“Kenya’s transformation agenda aims to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that no one is left behind or impoverished due to healthcare costs. The government is committed to providing an equitably funded education system that supports learners from vulnerable backgrounds and promoting safe and dignified housing through our affordable housing program,” UDA noted.
ODM-UDA co-operation
Ruto nominated leader of Minority Opiyo Wandayi as CS Energy and Petroleum, Hassan Joho as CS Mining, ODM chairman John Mbadi CS Treasury and National Planning and Wycliffe Oparanya CS Cooperatives.
However, speaking during a TV show on Thursday, July 25, 2024, ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna maintained that nothing would change even after opposition politicians were co-opted into Ruto’s cabinet.
Sifuna said that the four cabinet nominees were ideologically opposed to Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and that they would need a course to be fully onboard.
“I can assure you Mbadi cannot save Kindiki from himself, Mbadi cannot cure the problem of Duale and he cannot cure Murkomen and his love for luxury,” Sifuna said during the show.
The Nairobi senator also noted that Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi voted against the Finance Bill 2024 and the Housing Act of 2024, a project which is at the centre of the ruling party’s manifesto.
Similarly, it is yet to be seen how the four nominees to cabinet will navigate the contradictions to some of the policies including the Social Health Insurance Fund which is set to be rolled out on October 1, 2024.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has openly called for the abolishment of the new health fund, suggesting a return to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
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