Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has criticized President William Ruto’s nomination of four opposition leaders to his broad-based cabinet, labeling it as unconstitutional.
According to Omtatah, in a multi-party democracy, elected MPs or parties cannot switch allegiances after an election. He emphasized that the formation of a broad-based government violates Article Three Clause Two of the Constitution.
During a Wednesday interview with journalists, Omtatah asserted, “Any government established in contravention of the constitution is null and void. The President’s decision to form this government goes against constitutional principles.”
Omtatah expressed disagreement with the President’s proposed cabinet and called on Parliament to reject the list of CS nominees, urging adherence to coalition alignments.
“The cabinet proposed by the President is not only unconstitutional but lacks merit as well,” he added.
Ruto has nominated 20 individuals to head various ministries in his administration. However, he has not yet disclosed nominees for the positions of Attorney General and Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development.
Among the nominations, Kipchumba Murkomen has been nominated for the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Rebecca Miano for Tourism, Justin Muturi for Public Service, Salim Mvurya for Trade, and Alfred Mutua for Labour.
Ruto also included members aligned with Opposition leader Raila Odinga in his cabinet nominations, such as Hassan Joho for Mining and Blue Economy, Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives and MSME Development, John Mbadi for National Treasury, and Opiyo Wandayi for Energy and Petroleum.
The nominations have elicited mixed reactions from leaders and the public. Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua responded with a statement indicating ongoing challenges, stating, “Let every person stand firm in their convictions #AlutaContinua.”
Lawyer Donald Kipkorir expressed frustration in another statement, particularly concerning opposition members joining the cabinet. He emphasized the role of Kenyans in oversight and accountability, saying, “With ODM now part of the government alongside UDA (Kenya Kwanza), they are accountable for Kenya’s success or failure! It’s now up to Gen Z, Kalonzo Musyoka, the media, and the judiciary to provide loyal opposition and hold the government accountable.”
