Race for CAS position intensifies within Kenya Kwanza
By Kevin CheruiyotPresident William Ruto is widely expected to reward his allies with Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) roles.
This follows a ruling by the Employment and Labour Court to validate the roles despite resistance from sections of the public.
President Ruto’s allies, most of whom lost in the August 2022 polls, must have breathed a sigh of relief when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asserted that the Kenya Kwanza administration will first consider rewarding loyalists ahead of those who voted for Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Those considered favourites to be appointed CAS’s include;
Millicent Omanga: She served as a nominated Senator between 2013 and 2017, then lost to Esther Passaris in her attempt to become the Nairobi Women Representative in the August 2022 polls. She is considered a close ally of President Ruto and was central to his campaign plans in Nairobi.
Margaret Wanjiru: Bishop Wanjiru of Jesus is Alive Ministries contested for the Nairobi Senate seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, but lost to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Edwin Sifuna.
Purity Wangui Ngirici: Mrs Ngirici unsuccessfully ran for the Kirinyaga governorship seat as an Independent candidate against Anne Waiguru of UDA who defended her seat. She was close to President Ruto but changed her mind towards the August 2022 polls after UDA gave Waiguru a direct ticket.
Kimani Ngunjiri: The former Bahati constituency MP lost his seat to Irene Njoki who ran on the Jubilee Party ticket. Mr Ngunjiri was among the President’s staunch defenders during the campaign season.
Cleophas Malala: The ex-Kakamega Senator who lost his gubernatorial bid under Amani National Congress (ANC) is likely to be picked. He is among the leaders from the western region who campaigned for the Kenya Kwanza alliance formation.
Joash Maangi: The former Kisii County Deputy Governor was among the allies to the President and has been at the forefront in President’s functions in the region.
James Ong’wae: Immediately after serving his two terms as Kisii Governor under the ODM party, Mr Ong’wae led a number of leaders from Kisi and Nyamira counties to President Ruto. Since then, Mr Ong’wae has been close with the President.
Peris Tobiko: The former Kajiado East MP stood with the President and led the campaigns in the Maasai Community.
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