Rift Valley Leaders Ask Ruto to Pick Murkomen after Retaining Kindiki, 5 Others: “Consider Our Son”

 

Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo 

A section of leaders from President William Ruto's Rift Valley backyard have called on him to have former Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen back in his Cabinet. Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo insisted Kipchumba Murkomen should be back in Cabinet since he helped in President William Ruto's rise to power.  In a statement on Friday, July 19, Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wisley Rotich congratulated all leaders nominated in various positions. However, the county chief asked Ruto to consider nominating Murkomen, describing him as Elgeyo Marakwet county's son. Rotich stated that Murkomen had demonstrated his competence and hard work while working for Kenyans. "We congratulate all those who have been nominated to various CS positions andcwish them well. With utmost humility we still trust that H.E the president will consider our EMC son Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen to Cabinet based on his competencies, hardwork and ability to serve Kenya. In God we trust," he said. Why should Murkomen be in Ruto Cabinet Rotich's sentiments were echoed by Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, albeit for different reasons. The first-time lawmaker argued that if Kithuke Kindiki, Alice Wahome, Aden Duale, and Roselinda Soipan Tuya had been retained, then Murkomen would also be eligible. Kimaiyo underscored that Murkomen fought for Ruto to ascend to the highest office, so he should be given priority.  "Kama Kindiki, Duale, Alice Wahome & Soipan wamerudi, then KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN lazima arudi. All of them relinquished their elective seats to join the Cabinet. Either bring them all or leave them all @kipmurkomen fought for this government. He deserves to be in Cabinet," the MP wrote. Who are the new Kenyan Cabinet nominees? On Friday, July 19, Ruto nominated the first batch of his new Cabinet secretaries. He proposed 11 names to be approved by the National Assembly to sit in the National Executive. Kindiki was brought back to the Interior Ministry, the same as Duale in the Defence docket. Roseline Tuya retained the Environment docket, Alice Wahome back to Lands and Public Works, and Davis Chirchir moved to the Roads and Transport docket. Former Trade and Industry CS Rebecca Miano came back as the proposed new Attorney General. The new names are Debra Mlongo Barasa, who was nominated into the Health docket, Julius Ogamba (Education), Andrew Karanja (Agriculture and Livestock Development), Eric Muriithi (Water) and Margaret Ndungu (ICT). 

by  Didacus Malowa