Karua rules out working with Ruto, calls proposed new cabinet a "diversionary tactic"

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has dismissed any chance of working with the Kenya Kwanza Government.

After President William Ruto's inclusion of ODM party members in his Cabinet, some social media users suggested that Martha Karua, a former Justice Minister under President Mwai Kibaki and a seasoned lawyer, would be an ideal candidate for Attorney General.

Karua, however, has responded by stating that she is not interested in the position.

During an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, she referred to the Head of State as a micromanager, which does not sit well with her.

"I wouldn't work for William Ruto. Whatever changes and whatever quality of people he gets, he's the minister for everything, he will not let anybody work. I have the experience of working with these people in Parliament," Karua said.

In contrast, the former Gichugu MP noted that working with ODM party leader and Azimio Chief Principal, Raila Odinga was easy because he gave room for discussions.

"I know at least Raila is easy to work with; you can differ, but you can sit across the table and discuss it. There is no way I would accept to work for William Ruto. They didn't ask me, let me not pose like I was asked because they also know my position," Karua added.

"Diversionary tactic"

The Narc Kenya leader termed President Ruto's new-look cabinet as a diversionary tactic.

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Salim Mvurya Mgala before the the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments on August 3, 2024. (Photo: National Assembly)

Karua criticised President Ruto's Cabinet reshuffle as more of the same, despite the personnel changes.

She described the vetting of Cabinet Secretary nominees as a "circus" and insisted that the Ruto administration remains unresponsive to the needs of Kenyans.

"The cabinet nominations are a diversionary tactic. Ruto got the message that the people wanted him to go. He then goes ahead to nominate Cabinet and the vetting becomes a circus in parliament," Karua said.

"The message is that this is more of the same, nothing has changed, nothing will change and the regime is tone deaf to the demands of Kenyans as fronted by the Gen Zs," she added.

One of the demands from Gen Z who held anti-government protests in June and July was that the President sacked his entire cabinet.

On July 11, 2024, Ruto dismissed the entire cabinet except for Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi to pave the way for the formation of a "broad-based government".

However while naming the nominees of his new cabinet, the Head of State retained 10 CSs; Aden Duale (Environment), Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Alice Wahome (Lands), Alfred Mutua ( Labour), Salim Mvurya (Trade), Justin Muturi (Public Service), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports), Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport) and Rebecca Miano (Wildlife and Tourism).

The new faces include Dr Debra Mulongo Barasa (Health), Julius Migosi Ogamba (Education), Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture and Livestock Development), Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation) and Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u (Information, Communication and Digital Economy), Dorcas Oduor (Attorney General) and Beatrice Moe (EAC).

Those nominated in the new-look cabinet from ODM include John Mbadi (National Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Mining) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives).

All the nominees except for Attorney General and CS for EAC have been vetted and it is expected that the National Assembly Committee on Appointments will table the report on Wednesday morning.