I won’t be Ruto’s Attorney General – Kalonzo

Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper party leader and a principal of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance, has firmly dismissed rumours of his potential inclusion in President William Ruto’s cabinet.

During a press conference on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Musyoka addressed speculation surrounding his possible appointment as the Attorney General, stating unequivocally that neither he nor his party has received any such offer.

“First of all, nobody has offered any position to me or to Wiper. That thing about the Attorney General is a mirage,” Kalonzo declared, putting to rest swirling rumours about his political future.

Kalonzo, a senior counsel, emphasized his extensive experience in various governmental roles, including serving as Vice President and holding multiple ministerial portfolios.

“I may be senior counsel, which is okay; maybe that is the attraction. But this guy has been the Vice President of the republic, he has been a minister in many portfolios. Do you expect him to go and serve Ruto as Attorney General? I think it is expecting too much. In any event, the bottom line is no such thing; we are not interested.”

When pressed further about his stance on joining the government, especially in light of Ruto’s recent nomination of four ODM members to his cabinet, Kalonzo was unequivocal.

“The simple truth is that we are not interested. And if you want to put it in the first person singular – I am not interested. This other thing is a matter of ODM, we have addressed you today as Azimio la Umoja One Kenya.”

Kalonzo also confirmed that the ODM party had not indicated any intention to leave the Azimio coalition despite its members engaging with the government.

“The coalition as of today has not received an indication or a notice to give effect that ODM will be pulling out of the coalition. If that happens, we will deal with that at that time,” he clarified.

2 empty cabinet slots

President Ruto’s cabinet nominations have been a point of contention, with the latest appointments announced on Wednesday, July 24, bringing the total to 20, including four from the ODM party.

Despite these appointments, the positions of Attorney General and Cabinet Secretary for East Africa Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development remain vacant. The latter position was left open following the dismissal of Peninah Malonza.

Rebecca Miano was initially nominated as Attorney General but was later reassigned to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, further fueling speculation about the high-profile vacancy.

Amidst ongoing negotiations, many Kenyans are keenly watching to see who President Ruto will ultimately select to fill the crucial role of Attorney General.

Kalonzo’s clear stance against joining Ruto’s government and his reaffirmation of Azimio’s unity underscores the complex dynamics within Kenya’s political landscape as the nation anticipates further developments.