NAIROBI, Kenya — Tension is rising within Kenya’s Cabinet as ministers quietly brace for what insiders say will be a sweeping reshuffle by President William Ruto. Senior officials and political observers alike say the timing could be imminent, with portfolios and alignments reportedly under review.
According to the Star newspaper reporting, speculation is growing that President Ruto plans to realign key ministries ahead of the 2027 election season. Some Cabinet secretaries are allegedly already making contingency plans, while others are lobbying for better assignments or protection from dismissal.
One unnamed source within state security circles suggested the shake-up might target ministries seen as underperforming, those embroiled in scandals, or those held by political rivals.
Another insider close to the presidency hinted that the reorganisation may be used to reward loyalists or consolidate Ruto’s control over critical sectors.
Ministers regarded as vulnerable — either due to public dissatisfaction, legislative pressure, or intra-coalition tensions — are reportedly engaging in last-minute outreach to the Cabinet Office and party leaders to defend their positions.
Some are said to be offering to reposition staff, accelerate key projects, or demonstrate loyalty in new ways.
The rumour mill has also focused on shifts in the security, infrastructure, and health ministries. In particular, talk is rife about possible changes at the Interior docket, the national security apparatus, and ministries linked to big-ticket devolved funding.
Political analysts say Cabinet reshuffles serve multiple political purposes. They allow the president to refresh his team, manage internal dissent, respond to public criticism, and reposition allies ahead of elections.
But they also carry risks — alienating key power bases, creating uncertainty in governance, and disrupting project continuity.
Dr. Miriam Njeri, a governance expert at the Institute for Strategic Studies, observes:
“At this stage in the administration, a reshuffle is almost inevitable. What matters is whether it is substantive — one that rebalances power and addresses performance — or merely cosmetic, an exercise in optics.”
Critics warn that timing and transparency will matter. If changes are perceived as driven by political survival rather than merit or development outcomes, public trust in governance could erode further.
As anxiety mounts in Government House and corridors of power, attention now turns to the announcement: when, how sweeping, and who is replaced will send signals about the trajectory of the Ruto administration in its second half.
