Ex-CSs making Cabinet comeback thank President Ruto as Kenyans online angered

President William Ruto on Friday named the first batch of 11 Cabinet Secretary nominees, retaining just six out of the recently fired team of 22.

The President’s move to re-nominate the six CSs caused uproar across social media platforms, with a majority of Kenyans questioning the basis of even sacking them in the first place if he was just going to bring them back after a week.

At the same time, some of the former CSs who were nominated afresh wasted no time in thanking the Head of State for the gesture, despite public criticisms.

The ex-ministers who are now set to make a comeback to the Kenya Kwanza government include Prof. Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Alice Wahome (Lands), Soipan Tuiya (Environment), Davis Chirchir (Transport), Aden Duale (Defence), and Rebecca Miano as Attorney General.

Taking to X minutes after the announcement, Duale expressed his profound gratitude to his boss saying he was eager to appear to the National Assembly for fresh vetting.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to H.E President @WilliamsRuto for nominating me as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence. This nomination reflects the President's and the Kenyan people's profound trust and confidence in my ability to advance our nation's agenda and more particularly the national security of our nation hence contribute to its greatness,” Duale stated.

“Am ready and willing to present myself to the National Assembly's relevant committee for vetting and public scrutiny. Thank you very much! Ahsante sana!”

His Lands counterpart Alice Wahome similarly thanked the President for the opportunity to serve in the same docket again, reiterating that she will do her best to serve Kenyans.

“I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me by nominating me as Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development. This is a huge responsibility, especially at this defining time for our nation. I confirm my commitment to serve Kenyans with dedication and within the rule of law,” she stated.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry nominee Soipan Tuiya also expressed gratitude to President Ruto for giving her a second stab at public service in the Cabinet.

She stated: “I take this opportunity to thank H.E. The President of the Republic of Kenya, @WilliamsRuto for granting me a second chance to serve our country in matters of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry! I wholly commit to serve with commitment & dedication, upon confirmation. God bless Kenya.”

Despite their appreciation messages, netizens did not hold back their anger, going ahead to slam the leaders and opining that they should have paved the way for new individuals.

Below are some of the reactions from Kenyans on X:

“Congratulations CS Duale for once again emerging as the most incompetent Kenyan to join other incompetent individuals because that is the only explanation of how you made it back,” wrote X user Nelson Amenya.

“We must fix the nation. We don't want recycling,” Mohammed Kutu stated.

“No, we don't want you back. WE THE PEOPLE do not want you back! Your boss never listens, we did not ask for a reshuffle! Tuesday tupatane maandamanom,” added Goal Joseph.

Gen Z Alerts wrote; “I think that was Ruto cabinet, not Kenyans Cabinet. Why reinstate some of you and we have millions of leaders here.”

“Replacing 2M watch buyer Kipchumba Murkomen with 1.2B oil scandal Davis Chirchir is in simple words president telling Kenyans wajid***i,” Adele Lide wrote.

“We shall be there. It will not be easy. Until your master goes. Instead of thanking WE THE PEOPLE, you are thanking Zakayo? Shame on you! And Ruto Must Go!” The Evins Media wrote.