This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
On January 8, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a major cabinet reshuffle at State House, Mombasa, in his State of the Nation address. The move saw the sacking of Minister of Agriculture Mwangi Kiunjuri, a move that has been seen as a demonstration of the President's control over the Jubilee alliance.
According to sources, Raila Odinga was aware of the impending reshuffle, having met with President Uhuru Kenyatta on January 4, 2020, at State House, Mombasa. Mr. Odinga's aide revealed that the meeting was private, but confirmed that the two leaders had discussed the reshuffle.
Mr. Kiunjuri has been under fire for his involvement in the maize scandal, which saw the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) pay out billions of shillings to unscrupulous individuals at the expense of genuine farmers. The move has been seen as a significant blow to the Jubilee alliance, with the removal of Kiunjuri causing turmoil in the alliance.
The reshuffle has also seen several other Cabinet Secretaries taking up new portfolios. Peter Munya has been appointed as the new Minister of Agriculture, replacing Kiunjuri. Monica Juma has swapped offices with Rachel Omamo, who has taken over as the Minister of Defence. Mutahi Kagwe has been appointed as the new Minister of Health, while Simon Chelugui has taken over as the Minister of Labour.
Ukur Yatani has also been fully appointed as the Treasury CS, while several Principal Secretaries (PS) and Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) have been reshuffled.
