Cabinet Reshuffle: Miguna Responds To Ruto Cutting Gachagua's Powers
Miguna was quick to downplay the heat generated following the reshuffle which affected big names such as Moses Kuria, Alfred Mutua and Alice Wahome.
Marvin Chege 
Outspoken lawyer, Miguna Miguna, downplayed the political fanfare that was generated after President William Ruto allocated Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi more roles in which he now doubles as the Foreign Affairs docket, assuming functions transferred to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's office earlier this year.
In March 2023, Ruto allocated Gachagua some foreign policy roles including directing engagements between international organisations and missions and government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which Mudavadi now takes over.
Before Gachagua was given the roles, it had been a reserve of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to run the country's relations with foreign missions and organisations.
Prime CS, Musalia Mudavadi, speaking during the launch of Dr Barrack Muluka's book on September 29, 2023. /MUSALIA MUDAVADI
Diplomatic missions had been asked to work directly with the Office of the Deputy President, roles that will now be revoked.
With Mudavadi's control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gachagua's vital role in one of Kenya's most important dockets was done away with.
The changes depicted in Ruto's first Cabinet reshuffle since assuming office on September 13, 2022, were announced on Wednesday night, October 4 and caught the whole country off-guard, with some observers hinting that some CSs had no idea that the reshuffle was looming.
However, Miguna was quick to downplay the heat generated following the reshuffle which affected big names such as Moses Kuria, Alfred Mutua and Alice Wahome.
"Why are some Kenyans getting too excited about a mini cabinet reshuffle? The position and functions of the Deputy President are enshrined in the Constitution.
"That of the Prime Cabinet Secretary is the prerogative of the President. Not the Constitution. Apples and Oranges," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Mudavadi on his part expressed optimism about delivering on the added tasks assigned to him, owing to his frequent trips abroad while representing the President.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been entrusted by His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto with an expanded role in the reshuffled Cabinet,” a statement from the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary read in part.
“I express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency for the trust placed in me by assigning me the additional vital role of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.”
Musalia takes over the Foreign Affairs docket previously held by Alfred Mutua who has since been moved to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
DP Gachagua was yet to comment on the new developments which have seen some of his powers cut down.
