Leaderless and partyless Gen Zs in Kenya have released a cabinet list with names of the men and women they would want to see in the cabinet, after President William Ruto dissolved his cabinet under tremendous pressure.
A good number of prominent Gen Z revolution participants contacted by the Kenyan Report declared the list legit and touted it as consisting of people with evident and proven practical ability, a people-centric mindset, and youth-oriented.
It remains to be seen whether the president will factor in these proposed names. Kenya is going through a tough time characterized protests championed by Gen z youths who are dissatisfied with the high cost of living, rampant corruption, nepotism and tribalism in employment, and lack of employment altogether.
A finance bill that the president rammed through the national assembly acted as the trigger that set off the protests.
In the Gen z list, only two members of Rutos first cabinet survived. These are Soipan Tuya of Environment and Davis Chirchir of Energy. Youth Nixon Korir who serves as the current Principal Secretary in the ministry of lands comes in as the Cabinet Secretary for Lands while Raymond Omollo who is the current Principal Secretary for Interior is the Gen Zs preferred choice for Cabinet Secretary for Interior.
This is because of the irresponsibility exhibited by Professor Kithure Kindiki who mismanaged the initial protests resulting in deaths, senseless kidnappings, and bogus intelligence collection.
Gen Zs also insist on at least five (5) cabinet slots for youthful Kenyans. One of the ministries they want run by a youthful cabinet secretary is ICT that they have assigned Alex Matere.
Youth, Culture, Sports, and Art has been given to Onchari Oyieyo while Darshan Chandaria, son to famed Industrialist Manu Chandaria has been proposed for Investment, Trade and Industry. Labour and Social Protection has been given to Caren Wakoli of Emerging Leaders Forum (ELF) and Dr. Sam Kamau has been allocated Moses Kurias Public Service docket.
In a move that will offend Aden Duale, Gen Zs feel that former IEBC Chairman Isaak Hassan should handle Defense. Gen Zs also give Tourism to June Chepkemei, and William Ntimamas daughter Debra Sanaipei gets EAC, ASALs, and Regional Development.
The ministry of Agriculture, a contentious docket that saw Mithika Linturi get impeached by the National Assembly for supplying farmers with fake fertilizer has been allocated to Dr. Alice Wambui Kamau.
Other cabinet slots together with Gen Zs preferred occupants are as shown below:
Education- Professor Ratemo Michieka
Water and Irrigation-Engineer Henry Kendagor
Health- Dr. Ouma Oluga
Finance-John Mbadi
Mining-James Oluoch
Cooperatives-Mutuma Nkanata
Roads-Eng. Shammah Kiteme
Attorney General-Mahat Somane.
The huge number of new and youthful people in the list will most likely calm the Gen Zs who are eager to see a working economy as opposed to the skewed environment they have fought over the last few weeks.
An attempt by President Ruto to reach out to Raila Odinga in order to create a national unity government saw Raila get harassed by Gen Zs who quickly reminded the president that they are not looking for a government of national unity but a working and balanced government.
They have accused Raila Odinga of always finding his way to the government but still not bringing about any changes.
In the Gen Z cabinet proposal, Railas man is John Mbadi who, according to the Gen Zs we contacted, found his way to the list due to his fairly steadfast fight for fiscal responsibility and good governance. Mbadi is on record warning President Ruto over his first cabinet which he predicted would let him down.
It remains to be seen whether Ruto will move with speed and incorporate these names into his new cabinet and focus on delivering a functional economy for the frustrated and suffering youth.
A careful look at the list shows the tremendous attention the kids have given to regional balance while at the same time leaving out the seasoned political brokers who have failed to bring a new sense of direction in the country.
It is a true demonstration of the Gen Zs walking their talk when they insist that a cabinet must capture the mosaic of the Kenyan people.
The list also leans towards youthfulness, and there is an excellent reason for this: Kenyas population is predominantly youthful with a whopping 73% being below 45 years of age.
By the Kenyan Report Team
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