Why Tuju could replace Matiang’i
Changes in Uhuru's second term
The no-nonsense style that the CS has used in administering his functions right from the ICT docket, to the Education Ministry, and finally at the Ministry of Interior has not only won him public admiration but also the favour of his bosses – President Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.
At a public rally last year, President Kenyatta declared that Matiang’i was the third-most powerful official in the Jubilee government.
CS without portfolio
However, the recent nomination of Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju to Cabinet, could see Matiang’i replaced as the third-most powerful person in the current government.
Tuju has been appointed to the Cabinet without a specific portfolio and will serve as the representative of the Jubilee party in the Cabinet.
Although the specifics of Tuju’s role remain unclear, signs indicate that he could play some sought of supervisory role over all Cabinet Secretaries to ensure their performance is aligned to the Jubilee manifesto.
The role, essentially, could see him emerge as a de facto Prime Minister – only answerable to President Kenyatta and Ruto.
Tuju on Hard Talk
Already, keen observers will recall that the Jubilee Secretary General represented the government position on BBC’s popular programme Hard Talk – to counter NASA leader Raila Odinga who had earlier appeared on the same show.
The former Rarieda MP was also at President Kenyatta’s side during a South African trip where they attended the ANC’s 106 celebrations.
Whether he uses his newfound status to checkmate Odinga, his political nemesis in the Luo Nyanza politics, only time will tell.
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