Julius Kiprop
- ODM has put National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed as a candidate for Interior CS if Kithure Kindiki is appointed Deputy President.
- Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku confirmed the proposal but stated the final decision rests with President William Ruto.
- Manduku also hinted that Kindiki may have already submitted his resignation as Interior CS, paving the way for a potential replacement.
In a recent K24 panel discussion, Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku revealed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has proposed Junet Mohamed, the National Assembly Minority Leader, as a candidate to succeed Kithure Kindiki as Interior Cabinet Secretary. This comes amid speculation that Kindiki, recently approved by the National Assembly as the next Deputy President, may vacate the Interior CS position. ODM’s backing of Mohamed for the role highlights its ongoing efforts to secure more representation within the government.
Manduku’s remarks answered whether ODM had identified a potential candidate to assume Kindiki’s post if the latter steps into the Deputy President role. “Yes, we have fronted a name, Junet Mohamed,” Manduku confirmed while noting that the final appointment will be at the discretion of President William Ruto. He explained that ODM has been advocating for greater cabinet representation in recognition of its alignment with some government policies.
Additionally, Manduku hinted that Kindiki’s resignation might already be underway, citing that resignations are often private matters and need not be publicly disclosed. “Resignation is a private affair; he probably wrote a resignation to the president,” Manduku speculated, suggesting that Kindiki could be in the final stages of transitioning to the Deputy President’s office.
On October 18, the National Assembly endorsed Kindiki’s nomination with overwhelming support, as 236 MPs voted in his favor following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. This recent development places Junet Mohamed, currently Suna East MP and Minority Leader, as a potential candidate for the influential Interior CS post.
The nomination of Junet Mohamed as Interior CS by ODM underscores the party’s strategic approach to gaining a stronger foothold in the current administration. With Manduku’s comments shedding light on possible changes within the cabinet, the decision now lies with President Ruto, as ODM looks to solidify its influence and representation in key government roles.
