‘Ruto’s latest cabinet changes violate ethnic and gender balance’ – KHRC on recent CS appointments

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has reflected on President William Ruto’s recent cabinet changes. 

In a press release shared on Saturday, December 21, 2024, the commission took issue with Ruto’s recent appointments saying the nominations violate gender and ethnic balance.

The commission observed that with the appointments of Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui and William Kabogo, the Head of State was outrightly breaching ethnic inclusivity as the three are from the Mount Kenya region. 

“Ruto nominated former governors William Kabogo, Lee Kinyanjui, Nderitu Muriithi and former Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe to different government positions. Others nominated to various posts included Margaret Nyambura, Andrew Karanja, and former Muranga Senator Kembi Gitura. With the new CS nominations, the Mt Kenya region Is poised to dominate the cabinet,” KHRC said in a statement. 

Adding;

“If the National Assembly approves Kabogo, Kinyanjui, and Kagwe, they will join Justin Muturi, Rebecca Miano, Alice Wahome, and Eric Muriithi in the Cabinet. When the deputy president is included, eight cabinet members will be from the Mt Kenya region, constituting 34.7 per cent of the Cabinet.”

The lobby also chastised Ruto’s appointments saying he had failed to adhere to the gender balance requirement stipulated in the Constitution as only five out of 20 CSs were women. 

“Only five out of the 20 CSs are women, representing 25 per cent. There are only six women in the entire cabinet of 23 individuals,” the commission said. 

Adding;

“Any attempt by Ruto to unilaterally select cabinet members without reflecting the diversity, equity and inclusivity mandated by the constitution undermines the people’s sovereignty and the principles of democracy. 

“Such actions contravene the public’s trust and the obligation to exercise power in their interest. Article 10 of the Constitution identifies the key national values and principles of governance, including patriotism and national unity.”

Further, the commission called on Kenyans to reject Ruto appointments explaining that the move depicts a self-serving, discriminatory and exclusive governance model falsely presented as an all-inclusive government. 

“In reality, it is a fully-fledged elitist rulership that contradicts his “hustlers vs dynasties” narrative during the campaign,” they added.