The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU has welcomed President William Ruto’s latest Cabinet changes saying the move demonstrated statemanship.
Through Cotu secretary general Francis Awoli, the union said the nomination of Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies into the cabinet is a magnanimous act that should be lauded.
President Ruto nominated three of Uhuru’s allies in the Jubilee Party to the Cabinet including Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture and Livestock), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade and Industry) and William Kabogo (ICT).
Atwoli said Ruto’s decision is a clear demonstration of his commitment to fostering political stability and national cohesion through the formation of a broad-based and inclusive government.
“As Kenyan workers, we believe that these appointments, alongside others made recently, reflect the President’s unwavering effort to create a government that transcends political divides by bringing together seasoned political leaders and individuals from diverse political persuasions, ” Atwoli said in a statement on Friday.
Atwoli said that by including individuals who supported him and even those who did not back his bid, the President has portrayed a great show of statesmanship that should be lauded and emulated.
“COTU (K) recognises the importance of having a government that represents the entirety of the Kenyan people,” the Cotu boss said.
Atwoli said that COTU (K) believes that the current calibre of individuals within the Cabinet will not only promote unity but also enrich decision-making processes “through the contestation of ideas”.
This he said will ultimately address the challenges facing Kenyan workers and advance the socio-economic welfare of all Kenyans.
“We look forward to engaging with the Cabinet in constructive social dialogue to ensure the dignity and welfare of workers are at the forefront of government priorities. We commend President William Ruto for this remarkable gesture of national leadership,” Atwoli said.
The President has insisted that he will continue to broaden his administration to ensure inclusivity by binging on board his former critics and those who opposed his 2022 presidential bid.
He has already reached out to his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by naming their key allies into government.
by JAMES MBAKA