Leader of the Minority party in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed has refuted claims that his name has been submitted to replace Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who was recommended and approved for the post of Deputy President.

In a statement on Saturday, October 26, 2024, Junet observed that while he was in support of President William Ruto’s efforts to form a broad government which reflects the wishes and aspirations of the people, he was not angling for the role.

“I have been made aware of unfounded innuendoes to the effect that I have shown interest in the position of Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration and, or, that the ODM Party has submitted my name for consideration in such a role,” Junet said.

Not angling for job

Adding: “Whereas an opportunity to serve fellow Kenyans in any capacity is always welcome, I wish to inform the public that I am neither one of the people angling for the job nor has the ODM Party shown any interest in seeking to have another party expert join the government in that capacity.”

He stated that he is content with his new position as the leader of the minority party in the National Assembly which he said was an equally vital constitutional position.

“In any case, I have just recently assumed the leadership of the Minority Party in the National Assembly which is an equally very important constitutional office in our governance architecture. I do hope this clarification puts the matter to rest and allows the country to focus on more important concerns,” the Suna East MP noted.

The development comes after reports emerged that the ODM party had fronted the name of Junet Mohamed to Ruto for consideration for the powerful docket.

Interior Ministry vacancy

It is unclear whether the Ministry leadership is vacant following the National Assembly’s approval of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki for the position of Deputy President on October 18, 2024.

State House is yet to indicate whether Kindiki has resigned following his nomination upwards even as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua obtained conservatory orders barring him from assuming office.

Other ODM leaders in the current government are Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi, Cooperatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho, Treasury CS John Mbadi and ASALs and EAC CS Askul Moe.