Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called on Treasury CS nominee John Mbadi and Mining and Blue Economy CS nominee Ali Hassan Joho to fully commit to implementing the bottom-up agenda.
Njeri emphasized that with their appointment to the cabinet, both leaders are tasked with advancing President William Ruto’s core agenda. “I trust that once these Cabinet Secretaries are vetted and sworn in, they will diligently support the bottom-up agenda and contribute to realizing the President’s plan,” she stated.
While Njeri supports the inclusion of Azimio coalition members in the government, she expressed concerns about conflicting statements from some of its leaders. “It’s concerning when figures like Sifuna and Raila Odinga claim ignorance about these nominations, especially when considering their positions within the Azimio coalition,” she said.
She urged the vetting committee to thoroughly assess the nominees to ensure they meet public expectations. “The vetting process should ensure that the new Cabinet Secretaries are aligned with the bottom-up agenda and assist the President in his objectives,” Njeri added.
Additionally, Njeri suggested that Mount Kenya reassess its political strategy in light of recent developments and the upcoming 2027 elections. “Mount Kenya needs to rethink its political stance and plan for the region’s future positioning in the 2027 elections,” she advised.
She noted the evolving nature of political alliances, referencing President Ruto’s previous statements about Raila Odinga. “Politics is driven by interests and realignments. We must be strategic in our approach to ensure future readiness,” she said.
Addressing Gen Z, Njeri lamented their missed opportunity to engage with President Ruto and the lack of leadership to advocate for their interests. “By choosing not to engage, you forced the President to seek broader political alliances. Politics is inherently about interests and survival,” she remarked.
With three years remaining before the next election, Njeri encouraged Gen Z to maintain their momentum, register as voters, and participate actively in the 2027 polls while resisting tribal divisions. “Change does not happen overnight. The issues we face, rooted in long-standing governance challenges, require time and persistence to address,” she said.
She concluded with a call to action: “Educate yourselves broadly—politically, socially, and factually. Utilize your time and collective strength to drive meaningful change.”