Ex-Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero and ex-Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale are among opposition stalwarts poised to be part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s new Cabinet.
The two leaders who unsuccessfully defended their seats on ODM and Ford Kenya tickets respectively in the last polls are meant to give Uhuru’s administration a national outlook.
Further, reports the Star, immediate former Gem MP, Jakoyo Midiwo-Raila’s cousin is being considered in joining the Cabinet in an attempt to heal tribal divisions in the country.
To meet the gender balance in the Cabinet, immediate former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda, former head of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Sarah Serem and former Teso South MP Mary Emase are being considered for Cabinet posts.
Foreign Affairs CS Ambassador Amina Mohammed and the ministry’s PS Dr. Monicah Juma have also been rumoured to be part of the new in the Cabinet.
Sources close to the Presidency said that Midiwo has not been talked to about the post but he is being considered.
In response, Midiwo told the Star, “I’m not interested.”
Khalwale’s take on the issue was that, “I took my position. We may not be in government but we are not desperate. We made a very big step on October 26 when we (Luhya) gave Jubilee only 5 per cent of the vote.”
Jubilee has been making forays to opposition stalwarts in a move aimed at forming an all-inclusive government.
In addition, Jubilee could be using this ploy to weaken the opposition by poaching its point men.
Others who have been tipped to join Uhuru’s Cabinet are politicians from Nyanza and Western region.
They include former Karachuonyo MP James Rege, former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno and former Teso South MP Mary Emase.
Others are former Meru governor Peter Munya, former Taita Taveta Women Rep Joyce Lay and Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju.
Uhuru first announced part of his Cabinet last week on Friday. In his announcement, he retained six Cabinet Secretaries.
They are Dr Fred Matiang’i (Education), James Macharia (Transport), Joe Mucheru (ICT), Charles Keter (Energy), Najib Balala (Tourism) and Henry Rotich (Treasury).
He also nominated Ex-Marsabit Governor Ukuru Yattani, DPP Keriako Tobiko and Ex-Turkana Senator John Munyes.
He said he will name his full Cabinet soon.