NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has taken a bold stance against President William Ruto’s latest cabinet nominations, claiming they undermine constitutional requirements for ethnic and gender balance.
The reshuffle, touted by some as a strategic political maneuver, has sparked outrage from critics who view it as a betrayal of inclusivity principles.
In a statement issued on Saturday, KHRC alleged that the new appointments disproportionately favor the Mt. Kenya region, placing seven out of 20 cabinet positions under its influence if the National Assembly approves nominees such as Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo, and Lee Kinyanjui.
“This represents 34.7% of the cabinet, excluding the President, Deputy President, and Attorney General,” KHRC highlighted, arguing that this concentration of power violates Articles 10, 27, and 130 of the Constitution. These provisions mandate equity, inclusivity, and regional diversity in public service appointments.
The Commission also raised concerns over gender representation, pointing to Article 27(8), which requires that no more than two-thirds of appointees in any body be of the same gender. According to KHRC, Ruto’s reshuffle undermines these constitutional safeguards.
KHRC questioned the president’s commitment to his “hustlers vs. dynasties” campaign promises. By appointing allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Commission argued that Ruto is abandoning his populist narrative in favor of elitist politics.
“It is hypocritical for Ruto to criticize ethnic chauvinism while perpetuating worse forms of regional and gender discrimination for political survival,” KHRC stated, referencing the president’s previous impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The reshuffle, KHRC added, is less about governance and more about regaining lost ground in Mt. Kenya, a critical political base shaken by recent controversies.
KHRC has urged constitutional watchdogs, including the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), to investigate the appointments and enforce compliance with the law.
“It is unacceptable for these bodies to remain silent while blatant violations of the Constitution occur,” KHRC said, emphasizing the need for action to uphold the principles of diversity and equity.
With both praise and condemnation pouring in, the reshuffle underscores the complexities of balancing political strategy with the demands of constitutional adherence.
