Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech on Monday disclosed how the belief in government shareholders led to President William Ruto dismissing his entire cabinet.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in February 2023 stated that only regions that supported Ruto should be rewarded by the administration, initiating the shareholder’s narrative.
He emphasized that Rift Valley and Mt Kenya, which heavily supported Ruto, deserved the majority of government appointments.
Koech, a close ally of President Ruto from Rift Valley, shared that this shareholder concept left some Kenyans feeling marginalized, prompting the President to take action.
To ensure inclusivity, the President restructured the cabinet to reflect a national outlook, according to Koech.
Koech explained, “There was this issue of shareholding where people felt like it was only one or two sections of this country that were benefiting from cabinet secretary positions.”
He noted that the President then vowed to form a broad-based government, now including members from the Orange Democratic Movement.
Koech stated that this change was essential for the country, creating a cabinet that truly represented the nation’s diversity.
He highlighted that before the cabinet’s dismissal, there was growing dissatisfaction among opposition legislators who questioned why their tax-paying regions lacked representation in the top decision-making body.
Koech mentioned, “It was necessary for the President to broaden his government, expand the base so that he gets to understand what happens in every part of this country.”
A balanced cabinet was a key demand of anti-government protestors, as per the parliamentarian.
Gachagua had likened the government to a company, with the regions that supported the Head of State being the main equity owners in his shareholding statement.
On Sunday, July 29, 2024, Gachagua reiterated his belief from February 2023, admitting, “I have a weakness for loving my people from the Mt Kenya region. If you have a problem please forgive me.”
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