Francis Makanya

The Ministry of Interior has been without a substantive Cabinet Secretary for a month following Kithure Kindiki’s elevation to Deputy President. Speculation is rife about who President William Ruto will nominate for the critical role, with several prominent names emerging as potential candidates. Key contenders include Joseph Boinnet, the former Inspector General of Police; Aden Duale, the Environment CS and close ally of Ruto; and Raymond Omolo, the Interior PS known for his competence and regional appeal. Other possibilities include Kipchumba Murkomen and Davis Chirchir, both experienced CSs; former Health CS Mutahi Kagwe; ODM figure Junet Mohammed; and EALA MP Kanini Kega. The next Interior CS will inherit a challenging docket requiring adept handling of national security and governance issues. For now, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi continues to act in the role as Kenyans await Ruto’s decision.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused state security agents of monitoring and intimidating him through surveillance. He alleges that unmarked cars have been trailing him, parking near his Nairobi residence, and noting his visitors. Gachagua cited a recent incident where a vehicle with falsified registration details followed him throughout the day. Comparing these actions to the authoritarian tactics of Moi's regime, he expressed concerns over extrajudicial killings and abductions by state agents. Gachagua called on the state to respect his privacy, asserting his right to peace as a private citizen, and warned that the government would be held accountable if harm came to him.