This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
October 5th, 2017, Nairobi residents received news of Governor Mike Sonko's cabinet appointments with shock after a list of possible appointees circulated on social media.
According to the list, former Nairobi Women representative aspirant Janet Muthoni Ouko was appointed as cabinet secretary for education, Youths, Gender, Sports and Social Services.
Other appointees included Ms. Vesca Jepkemboi Kangogo, Finance and Economic Planning, Peter Wachira Njuguna, Land, Urban Renewal and Housing, Dr. Hitan Chhagan Majevda, Health Services, Allan Igambi Esabwa, Commerce, Tourism and Cooperatives, Emma Mukuhi Muthoni, Environment, Water, Energy and Natural Resources, Danvas Makori, Agriculture, Livestock Development, Fisheries and Forestry, Larry Wambua, Devolution, Public Service and Administration, Charles Kerich, ICT and E-Government, and Saleh Abdulalahi Bardad, Roads, Infrastructure and Transport.
The appointments have sparked heated debate, particularly among Luos and Luhyias who feel left out of the process. Governor Evans Kidero was criticized for leaving out Luhyias during his cabinet appointments after they voted him overwhelmingly in 2013.
Unlike Governor Sonko's cabinet, which has been criticized for lacking diversity, Governor Kidero's cabinet was well-balanced across Nairobi's ethnic makeup. Kalenjins, who make up a small fraction of Nairobi's population, received two appointments, while Kikuyus were the luckiest with four cabinet positions.
Staunch Luhyia Jubilee supporters are likely to be disappointed by the appointments, which they feel do not reward their loyalty. The argument that Governor Sonko was looking for qualified candidates for appointments will not hold water, as there are many qualified Luhyias, Luos, and others just as those appointed to these positions.
The most interesting thing about these appointments is the hidden hand that influenced Governor Sonko's decision. Much remains to be seen in the days ahead as things unfold.
It is worth noting that Governor Sonko's cabinet appointments will have to be approved by the Nairobi County Assembly.
