President William Ruto’s latest government reshuffle has caused mixed reactions, especially with the inclusion of 14 Principal Secretaries (PSs) aligned with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This move strengthens the party’s influence in government and comes after Ruto’s handshake with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
The reshuffle signals a shift towards a broader political alliance, but it has also raised concerns over its financial impact on taxpayers.
Despite appointing new PSs, no existing officials were removed from office. This means the government payroll will expand significantly, putting more pressure on taxpayers at a time when the cost of living is already high.
Many Kenyans are questioning why the government is adding more officials instead of cutting down on unnecessary expenditures. The growing cost of governance has been a major issue, and this latest move only makes it worse.
Some of the notable ODM-backed appointees include Dr. Caroline Karugu as PS for East African Community Affairs, Dr. Oluoga Oguna as PS for Medical Services, Ahmed Ibrahim as PS for National Government Coordination, Regina Akoth as PS for Ombudsman and Trade, and Judy Pareno as PS for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs.
These appointments give Raila Odinga and ODM a stronger say in government decisions and policies.
The party now has key representatives in strategic positions, allowing it to influence governance more than before.
Critics argue that the reshuffle is not about improving service delivery but rather about political survival. By bringing ODM into his administration, Ruto is seen as securing his political future ahead of the next elections.
Some believe this is a calculated move to weaken the opposition by making it part of the government. The question remains whether these new officials will deliver results or if they are simply political figures being rewarded with government positions.
The economic impact of this reshuffle cannot be ignored. Kenya is already struggling with a stretched national budget, rising debt levels, and high taxation.
Adding more officials to the government means more salaries, allowances, and benefits to be paid.
Many Kenyans are wondering whether the country can afford such a costly power-sharing arrangement. Some believe that instead of creating more positions, the government should be focusing on cutting costs and implementing policies that reduce the financial burden on citizens.
With the new PSs now in office, attention will be on their performance. Kenyans will be watching closely to see if they bring any meaningful changes or if they will just add to the growing concerns about government wastage.
The reshuffle may have strengthened Ruto’s political position, but it has also intensified the debate on whether the government is prioritizing politics over the economic struggles of its people.
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