How Cabinet Reshuffle Impacts Kuria’s Jab at Gachagua: Analyst Perspectives

Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Moses Kuria, continued to taunt Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, October 5, 2023, following changes in the cabinet that appeared to favor Chief Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

These changes were announced by President William Ruto on Wednesday night through the Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei.

Following these changes, Mr. Mudavadi seemed to gain significantly after being assigned the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Kuria was among the ministers who were reshuffled from their ministries after being appointed as the new Minister of Public Service, Performance, and Government Services Coordination.

Considering that these changes appeared to enhance Mr. Mudavadi’s authority while diminishing Mr. Gachagua’s influence, Mr. Kuria seemed to mock him by posting a picture of Mr. Gachagua looking sorrowful on an online platform.

According to analysts, Mr. Kuria’s actions are a way of perpetuating the political tensions that have existed between these two leaders in their efforts to assert control over the politics of the Mount Kenya region.

“It’s evident that Mr. Kuria continues to ridicule Mr. Gachagua since, essentially, he has been stripped of authority, while Mr. Mudavadi’s star continues to rise,” said Mr. James Wambua, a political analyst.

Those who commented on the message also stated that it was clear that Mr. Kuria was mocking Mr. Gachagua.

The political differences between these two leaders began two weeks ago after Mr. Gachagua criticized Mr. Kuria for his statements to Kenyans, suggesting that they should dig their own oil wells due to the high cost of the commodity.

Mr. Kuria later responded to Mr. Gachagua, telling him to “stop interfering.”

Last Sunday, there were reports of a meeting of 12 Members of Parliament at the residence of a politician in the Mount Kenya region, whose main agenda was “to strategize on politically undermining Mr. Kuria.”

Analysts warn that if these two leaders do not exercise caution, the residents of the Mount Kenya region will be the main casualties.