Ruto explains why he settled on Mutahi Kagwe as Agriculture CS
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 11, 2026President William Ruto has explained why he appointed Mutahi Kagwe as Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, saying he followed an example set by former President Mwai Kibaki.
Ruto spoke during a church service at ACK St Paul’s Church in Kariki, Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The service brought together Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and other regional leaders.
His remarks came at a time of shifting political alliances in the Mt. Kenya region. The president reminded worshippers of his own time in government under Kibaki. After the disputed 2007 General Election, Kibaki formed a grand coalition government that included leaders from rival political camps. Ruto served as Minister for Agriculture from 2008 to 2010, despite coming from a different political side.
“Nilikuwa waziri wa kilimo wa Mwai Kibaki. Mko na hiyo habari?” Ruto asked the congregation. He said Kibaki did not consider party loyalty when making the appointment. Instead, he focused on bringing experienced leaders into government to steady the country after the post-election violence.
“Na wakati nilikuwa waziri wa kilimo wa Mwai Kibaki, sio eti nilkuwa nimechaguliwa na yeye kwa chama moja. Tulikuwa tume chagualiwa chama tofauti.”
Learning from Kibaki
Ruto recalled that period as one of cooperation and recovery. He said Kibaki’s inclusive leadership helped restore confidence and calm during a difficult national moment.
“Mzee Mwai Kibaki hakujali ya kwamba nilikuwa nimechaguliwa na chama ingine, alinipatia nafasi ya kuwa waziri wa kilimo karika serikali ya kenya.”
The president said that experience shaped his own decision-making. When he needed a strong hand to lead the agriculture docket, he looked beyond politics and chose Kagwe based on experience and ability.
Kagwe, who hails from Mukurweini in Nyeri County, has held senior government roles before. He served as Minister for Information, Communication and Technology under Kibaki from 2005 and later as Health Cabinet Secretary under former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kagwe did not support Ruto in the 2022 presidential election.
Ruto nominated Kagwe in late 2024. Parliament approved the appointment, and Kagwe assumed office in early 2025.
“Na vilevile nikasema na mimi vile Kibaki alinifanyia, ataingawa sikuwa mtu wa chama yake, mimi nikafanyia huyu mungwana. Nikasema huyu Mutahi Kagwe pia hakuje anisaindie kupanga maneno ya Kilimo,” Ruto told the congregation.