Appoint Musalia Mudavadi as Interior CS, Western leaders tell President Ruto
President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and leaders from Western Kenya during a church service at Ekambuli Church of God, Khwisero, Kakamega County on November 10, 2024.
Western Kenya leaders are now appealing to President William Ruto to appoint Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as the next Interior Cabinet Secretary. They reiterated that Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Mudavadi is the ideal choice to replace Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who was elevated to Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
Citing Mudavadi’s leadership skills and strong ties with Western Kenya communities, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale praised him as the best candidate for this critical role.
“Let us stand united behind President Ruto and make Mudavadi our Interior CS to strengthen the nation’s internal security,” he said at a Sunday church service at Ebukambuli Church of God in Khwisero, Kakamega County.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka kicked off the discussion, urging the President to consider Mudavadi, who is currently acting in the position.
“Mr Mudavadi should be relieved from flying between countries and fully take charge of the Interior ministry,” said Mr Aseka.
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe expressed confidence that the former vice president’s leadership would elevate the region’s profile and solidify Kenya Kwanza’s support in Western Kenya. Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli added that Western Kenya’s representation in the government through key figures like Mudavadi, Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula signals a shift in the region’s political landscape leading up to 2027.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasised the importance of national unity over divisive tribal politics. “Our unity doesn’t threaten any community; as a country, we have more in common than what divides us,” Mr Sakaja stated.
Mudavadi, commending President Ruto’s efforts to unite the country, warned against those attempting to undermine these efforts.
“The President is not vindictive and chose to work with his main competitor in the 2022 election, ODM leader Raila Odinga,” he noted.
President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to his campaign promises, highlighting achievements like reducing fertiliser prices from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 and reforming the National Health Insurance Fund to provide universal healthcare. He announced an additional Sh730 million for road development in Kakamega County and pledged improvements to infrastructure and educational facilities, including TVET hostels.
Expressed gratitude
Leaders also expressed gratitude for projects such as electricity connection and voiced support for President Ruto’s 2027 bid. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa called on the President to expedite the implementation of the Sugar Act for reforms in the struggling sugar sector.
Other leaders attending the service included Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo, Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), among others.
