Ruto moves Soipan Tuya to Defence docket

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has made minor changes to his list of 11 Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) unveiled to the public on Friday last week.

In his communication to members of the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula revealed that Aden Duale who had been nominated by Ruto to be in charge of the Defence Ministry, had been moved to the Environment docket.

Similarly, Roselinda Soipan Tuya who had been nominated the CS for Environment had been swapped with Duale and will now take charge of the Defence Ministry, if MPs give an okay to her appointment.

Upon Wetang’ula’s communication, Duale who served as Defence CS in Ruto’s first cabinet which was dissolved about three weeks ago, took to X and Facebook to thank the President, in the wake of the reassignment.

"I am grateful to President @WilliamsRuto for reassigning me from the Defence Ministry to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. I look forward to serving in my new portfolio and ensuring focus is on sustainable environmental management, combating climate change, and promoting reforestation and conservation efforts.” "Indeed, 'And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, but you do not know.' - Quran 2:216," he added.

His post attracted numerous reactions from Kenyans. One Elly Abiero Oyugi wondered how relevant Duale will be in the environment docket.

“This government is gambling with our future. How is Duale relevant to environmental issues and climate change? We have very many environmental stewards who are equal to the tasks. This is a very crucial ministry especially for us the young people. We're envisioning the green transition,” he shared.

All other Cabinet nominations remain as announced by President Ruto.

Speaker Wetang’ula confirmed that all Cabinet nominees will undergo vetting, including those who were reappointed.