National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has broken his silence on reports linking him to replace Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration following the latter’s nomination and subsequent approval as Deputy President.
Junet in a statement on Saturday, October 26, denied claims that he has shown interest in the position and that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has submitted his name for consideration in the role.
ODM party has been lauded for its efforts in “stabilizing the government” since President William Ruto formed a broad-based government which brought former ODM members into the Cabinet.
The minority leader has, however, dismissed claims of joining the Cabinet, saying that he is not angling for the job nor has ODM shown any interest in seeking to have another party insider join the government.
“Whereas an opportunity to serve fellow Kenyans in any capacity is always welcome, I wish to inform the public that I am neither one of the people angling for the job nor has the ODM Party shown any interest in seeking to have another party expert join the government in that capacity,” said Junet.
“President William Samoei Ruto continues to broaden his government to conform to the wishes of Kenyans on national inclusion, service delivery, governance, democracy and stability of the Nation.”
At the same time, the Suna East Member of Parliament (MP) said that his current status as the National Assembly minority leader is an equally important role.
Junet Denies interest in joining Cabinet
“In any case, I have just recently assumed the leadership of the Minority Party in the National Assembly which is an equally very important constitutional office in our governance architecture. I do hope this clarification puts the matter to rest and allows the country to focus on more important concerns,” he added.
Also Read: ODM MP Hints at When Wetang’ula will Leave Speaker Position
ODM in July unveiled its new parliamentary leadership following the nomination of its former national chairman John Mbadi and former National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi as Cabinet Secretaries (CSs).
In a statement on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, ODM announced Junet Mohamed as Wandayi’s replacement while Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo assumed the role of minority whip, a role the Suna East MP previously held.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi on the other hand was announced as the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson, to be deputized by Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo.
ODM lauded for “stabilizing” government
Junet’s clarification comes amid reports that ODM is demanding more stakes in President Ruto’s administration, days after the dramatic ouster of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President.
Also Read: MP Speaks of ODM Going After Speaker Wetangula’s Position
The reports indicated that insiders in the Raila Odinga-led party are asking for more senior appointments in government, for what they see as their role in helping President Ruto stabilize the country.
It is further alleged that the party wants to be rewarded for its role in enabling the impeachment of Gachagua, a grueling assignment party insiders claim that would have fallen flat without ODM’s backing.
Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, an ODM insider, made such a gesture in a statement on October 18.
“ODM should get at least 2 more ministries for the good work they have done in stabilizing the government,” said Alai.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
