Atwoli Praises Ruto For Nominating Uhuru Allies as CSs

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has welcomed President William Ruto’s move to include former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies in the Kenya Kwanza Government.

In a bid to realign ministries for optimal performance and improved service delivery, Ruto nominated Mutahi Kagwe as the new Agriculture CS, Lee Kinyanjui as the Investment, Trade and Industry CS, and William Kabogo as the Information, Communication and Digital Economy CS.

In an official statement dated Friday, 20th December, the COTU SG described the appointment of the three leaders as a sign of Ruto’s commitment to fostering political stability and national cohesion through the creation of a broad-based and inclusive government.

According to Atwoli, these nominations, alongside the recent appointments of Raila Odinga’s allies, reflect Ruto’s willingness to unite Kenyans despite political differences.

“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, bringing together seasoned political leaders and individuals from diverse political persuasions,” the statement by Atwoli read in part.

He expressed confidence that the inclusion of these leaders in the Kenya Kwanza government will continue to promote unity among the leaders, which will ultimately benefit Kenyans.

“The current calibre of individuals within the Cabinet will not only promote unity but also enrich decision-making processes through the contestation of ideas, thus ultimately addressing the challenges facing Kenyan workers and advancing the socio-economic welfare of all Kenyans.”

Apart from the three nominations, Ruto made significant changes in the Cabinet, reshuffling some ministers. He moved Kipchumba Murkomen from the Sports Ministry to the Interior Ministry.

Murkomen’s former docket of Sports is set to be taken over by Salim Mvurya, the current CS of Investment, Trade and Industry.

Atwoli stated that COTU is ready to work with the newly reconstituted Cabinet in constructive dialogue to ensure the dignity and welfare of Kenyan workers.

He went on to emphasize that Kenyan workers are at the forefront of government priorities.

Other notable appointments in the Cabinet changes include Ababu Namwamba, appointed as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).

Margret Nyambura Ndung’u has been appointed High Commissioner to Ghana, Gertrude N. Angote has been appointed to the High Commission in Zimbabwe, and Andrew Karanja has been appointed as Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil.