Murkomen apologises to those he offended ‘via his lifestyle’

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen has welcomed his ‘return to cabinet with open arms.’

The former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator served as CS for Trade and Transport during President William Ruto’s previous cabinet, which was dissolved about three weeks ago.

The Head of State today announced 10 more nominees to his cabinet, after a similar pronouncement last week.

Taking to his social media platforms, Murkomen thanked Ruto for giving him another chance to serve Kenyans.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for this incredible opportunity to serve our great nation, Kenya,” he stated.

Murkomen was accused of living a flashy lifestyle and ‘vomiting it’ in the face of hungry Kenyans, after he was quoted saying that his necktie cost Sh20,000, belt Sh50,000 and watch Sh900,000.

Appearing to embrace a sense of humility, he unreservedly apologised to those he may have offended. “The last two weeks have been moments of deep reflection. I would like to unreservedly apologise to every Kenyan who I may have offended through my words, my deeds and my conduct, including my lifestyle, in the last two years of my public service.”

“Subject to my approval by Parliament, I pledge to serve the people of Kenya diligently, with great humility and unwavering accountability,” added Murkomen.

The latest list of Ruto’s nominees brought in four opposition members, in the frame of John Mbadi, George Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Ali Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya.

The full list consists of:

1. John Mbadi – National Treasury

2. Salim Mvurya – Investment Trade and Industry

3. Rebecca Miano – Tourism and Wildlife

4. James Opiyo Wandayi – Energy and Petroleum

5. Kipchumba Murkomen – Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports

6. Hassan Ali Joho – Mining, Blue Economy

7. Dr Alfred Mutua – Labour and Social Protection

8. Wycliffe Oparanya – Cooperatives, MSME

9. Justin Muturi – Public Service

10. Stella Soi Lang’at – Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage

Nominations for CS, Ministry of East Africa Affairs and Attorney General are still pending.