Moses Kuria Reveals Key Role in Creating President Ruto’s Inclusive Government

Moses Kuria’s Claim of Strategizing President Ruto's Government

In a revealing disclosure, Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has taken credit for the strategic formation of President William Ruto’s so-called 'broad-based' government. According to Kuria, he advised the Kenyan President to include figures from the opposition in his administration. This move was conceived long before national unrest and protests, driven largely by the nation's younger generation, had erupted.

Anticipating Unrest and Pushing for Inclusion

Kuria, who was deeply involved in Kenya's political landscape, said that he had warned President Ruto about potential unrest within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and anticipated internal power struggles within the ruling coalition, Kenya Kwanza. He foresaw possible destabilizing events and counseled the President to integrate opposition members into the government as a preemptive measure.

Lobbying Key Opposition Figures

In a bold political maneuver, Kuria lobbied senior opposition figures, including former Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, and ODM stalwart Oburu Odinga, encouraging them to accept Cabinet positions. Kuria even revealed his readiness to make a trip to Dubai to persuade Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, to join the inclusive government. Such efforts culminated in significant appointments.

Key Appointments and the Political Shift

The nation's political landscape saw some profound changes as Hassan Joho was appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Wycliffe Oparanya became Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, John Mbadi took the helm at the National Treasury, and Opiyo Wandayi was appointed head of the Energy and Petroleum Ministry. These appointments represented a major shift in Kenya's governance.

National Unrest and the Quest for Stability

The motivation behind this inclusive government seemed to be Ruto's initiative to quell the civil unrest that had nearly paralyzed the nation. The streets of major cities were overrun with protesters expressing their dissatisfaction with the economic conditions and political appointments. Despite these efforts, the young populace participating in these demonstrations voiced their disapproval of any unity government.

Kuria's Perspective on National Stability

Moses Kuria framed his actions as visionary and necessary for the country's future. He emphasized that integrating opposition members into higher government echelons was critical for maintaining national stability. He believed that by inviting opposition figures into the ruling framework, it was possible to foster an environment of collaboration and reduce political tensions.

The Broader Implications of an Inclusive Government

This political development carries broader implications for Kenya’s democratic process. It highlights the necessity of cross-party collaboration in the face of national crises. By creating a more inclusive government, President Ruto and his advisors, like Kuria, aimed to strengthen the nation's democratic institutions and address the growing concerns of disenchantment among the youth and other demographics.

Looking Forward: Stability Versus Popular Opinion

As Kenya moves forward, the effectiveness of this broad-based government in addressing national issues remains to be seen. The country's socio-political fabric is complex, and while some may view this as a masterstroke of political prudence, others see it as a compromise on principles. The actual impact on peace and national unity will unfold in the coming years, as the inclusive government tackles both internal and external challenges.

Conclusion

Moses Kuria's claims have certainly added a new dimension to Kenya’s contemporary political narrative. Whether his strategic counsel will yield long-term stability or face resistance from various facets of society is a question Kenyan citizens and political analysts will continue to debate. Nonetheless, this move illustrates a significant chapter in Kenya's ongoing voyage towards a more inclusive and resilient governance structure.