ODM Nominated MP John Mbadi has welcomed his nomination to Cabinet saying it came as a surprise.
In a statement shortly after President William Ruto named him Treasury CS nominee alongside nine others, Mbadi expressed gratitude to the President saying the gesture got him by surprise.
“The nomination has indeed come as a surprise. But above all let me thank the Almighty God for the opportunity granted,” he said.
Mbadi has been nominated alongside former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho both from ODM Party as CS for Mining, Blue Economy and Fisheries
Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has also been nominated as CS designate for Cooperatives and MSMEs
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi being from ODM Party also appointed as Minister for Energy and Petroleum
The appointments of four politicians from Raila Odinga led party is a testament that the premier had forwarded the names of his people, confirming what Homabay Township MP Peter Opondo Kaluma said yesterday at the floor of the House
“Mr Speaker, I pray that President William Ruto appoints the names Baba forwarded for CSs positions as soon as possible even if it’s tomorrow. Those telling us that we shouldn’t work with the government we shall face them out, this is ODM and love our country,” Kaluma charged.
Ruto on Wednesday unveiled the faces of his other half of the new-look Cabinet short of the Attorney General nominee and the proposed East African Community and Regional Development office holder.
Rebecca Miano, who had initially been nominated as the AG, was handed the Tourism and Wildlife docket.
The new 10 CS nominees now bring to 20 the total number of Cabinet nominees Ruto said would have the face of the nation.
Mbadi, ODM boss Raila Odinga’s ally, was named in the second batch of nominees alongside other Raila allies.
Ruto also re-appointed his allies back to the Cabinet.
Former Transport and Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen was given the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Justin Muturi (Public Service), Salim Mvurya (Trade) and Alfred Mutua (Labour)
Stellah Langa’t, a new face, was named the CS nominee for Gender, Culture and Heritage.
Mbadi said the lineup is not only a landmark towards national unity but also demonstrates that Ruto’s vision for Kenya transcends political party lines and ethnic interests.
“May I also sincerely thank the former Prime Minister Hon Raila Odinga for his unwavering faith in me over the years and I promise the people of Kenya I’m not going to disappoint in the government’s quest for effective and quality service delivery,” Mbadi said.
The nominated MP said pending his vetting and approval by the National Assembly, he looks forward to fully cooperating with the President and the Cabinet in revitalising the economy.
“Of course, I’m very much aware the task bestowed on me is not a mean assignment, especially during this time the country is experiencing deep economic challenges,” he said.
Ruto on Tuesday submitted names of the first batch of 10 CS nominees to Parliament for approval.