Ruto’s Reshuffle Storm As Moi, Ida Odinga Tipped To Join His Cabinet

President William Ruto is navigating one of his most delicate political maneuvers yet as he prepares to unveil his fourth cabinet reshuffle since taking office in 2022, with the widow of the late Raila Odinga and allies of Gideon Moi expected to feature prominently in the new lineup.

The reshuffle, which the President has indicated will be finalized by month’s end, comes at a particularly sensitive time following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15.

The timing has forced Ruto to balance competing political interests while maintaining crucial support from Nyanza region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources close to State House indicate that Ida Odinga, the widow of the opposition icon, is among those being considered for key positions in what would be a significant gesture of goodwill to the Odinga family and their supporters.

President Ruto console Mama Ida during Raila state funeral in Bondo.

The move would complement ongoing efforts to secure the political loyalty of western Kenya, a region that has historically been a stronghold of the ODM party.

The President has already assured the Odinga family that the four ODM ministers currently serving in his government will retain their positions.

Economy Minister John Mbadi, SMEs Minister Wycliffe Oparanya, Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi and Mines and Blue Economy Minister Hassan Joho are all expected to remain in their respective dockets.

However, the reshuffle has exposed deep fissures within the ruling coalition, particularly over representation from central Kenya.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah have expressed concern that any reduction in their region’s cabinet presence would vindicate claims by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the government is marginalizing the Mount Kenya region.

Gachagua, who was removed from office late last year and has since announced his intention to challenge Ruto in 2027, has been mobilizing residents of central Kenya against the President. His efforts have proven effective, with Ruto struggling to maintain popularity in a region that accounts for a third of his current cabinet.

The political calculus has led some of Ruto’s closest advisers, including Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, personal adviser Farouk Kibet, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, to recommend focusing on regions with greater potential for boosting the ruling party’s fortunes rather than central Kenya.

Among those considered vulnerable in the impending changes are Water Minister Eric Muuga and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Lee Kinyanjui. Kinyanjui, a former Nakuru County governor and ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, joined the government in January following a reconciliation between Ruto and Kenyatta but is viewed as having limited political capital.

The accommodation of Gideon Moi’s KANU faction, which recently rallied to the United Democratic Alliance, has added another layer of complexity.

The agreement between Ruto and Moi promised one cabinet position and four other high-profile government appointments, but the son of Kenya’s second President Daniel arap Moi is now pushing for at least two ministerial slots.

With the Constitution limiting the number of cabinet ministers, Ruto faces the difficult task of removing some incumbents to create space for new entrants. This has sparked jockeying among various political camps seeking to protect their interests and maintain influence within the executive.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, both influential figures from western Kenya, are lobbying to ensure their allies not only retain their positions but are reinforced with additional appointments. Currently, only two members of the Luhya community serve in cabinet beyond Mudavadi: Oparanya and Environment Minister Deborah Barasa.

The political maneuvering has intensified as Ruto seeks to consolidate his support base ahead of the next general election.

The President’s handling of the reshuffle will be closely watched as a test of his ability to manage competing interests while maintaining the coalition that brought him to power.

As the October deadline approaches, all eyes are on State House to see which political casualties will result from Ruto’s delicate balancing act and whether he can successfully integrate new allies without alienating existing supporters in what promises to be a defining moment for his administration.