Coast religious leaders criticise President Ruto's Cabinet nominations

Religious leaders from the Coast have criticised President William Ruto's recent nominations of cabinet secretaries, claiming that the selections include individuals previously dismissed from their roles.

Speaking at Kisauni Social Hall in Mombasa, the leaders argued that fresh faces should have been prioritised to foster renewal and effectiveness in governance.

President Ruto's nominations, which were announced on Friday, included notable figures such as Kithure Kindiki for the Ministry of the Interior and National Administration, and Aden Duale for the Ministry of Defence. Both Kindiki and Duale had previously served in the disbanded cabinet, a move that has drawn significant disapproval from local religious figures.

Sheik Juma Hassan of Swafa Mosque in Mwandoni stated that the government should have considered fresh faces. "If the government aims to implement meaningful changes, it should introduce new individuals, not reinstate those previously relieved of their duties. We appreciate the president's responsiveness to public concerns, but he should avoid reappointing the same individuals," he said.

Adding to the criticism, Reverend Susan Omenda, leader of the Pastors Fellowship in Jomvu, emphasised the need for equitable regional representation in cabinet appointments.

"The Coast region deserves fair consideration, similar to other regions that have received multiple appointments," she said, adding that to maintain harmony and prevent discord, the president must ensure a balanced distribution of these positions.

Rev. Daniel Mugitha of Redeemed Gospel Church urged President Ruto to prioritise national unity and listen to diverse voices across the country. "Dialogue should serve the nation's best interests, not personal agendas," he remarked, calling for inclusive representation across all sectors.

Sheikh Mahmoud Abdillah noted the importance of appointing representatives who can effectively advocate for the interests of various communities. "The president's selections should reflect a commitment to inclusive governance, encompassing voices from all segments of society," he said.

At the same time, the religious leaders also urged the government to pursue accountability for law enforcement officials implicated in violence against protestors.