The outcome of the 2022 General Elections led to a wave of early exits from politics for certain politicians, mostly depending on the coalition they had allied with.
In 2024, Kenya witnessed a remarkable resurgence of several notable political leaders.
1. Raila Odinga
In 2024, veteran opposition figurehead Raila Odinga has undergone a strategic transformation following his loss in the 2022 presidential polls.
Following President William Ruto’s electoral success, several political commentators anticipated that it would likely bring an end to Raila’s career in politics.
Just like in the past, Raila has found himself at the forefront of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government following his reconciliation with Ruto.
Following the agreement with Ruto, the government proposed the former prime minister to vie for the African Union Commission chairman position.
Beyond seeking a seat in AUC, the former prime minister is now strengthened in his position as a formidable contender to the presidency.
2. Hassan Joho
Mvita’s current MP and former Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho is uncertain to be reshuffled from his role until the 2027 General Election.
Meanwhile, on July 24, Joho was one of the fortunate individuals to benefit from the agreement between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister, creating a bigger Cabinet by bringing key figures from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into the administration.
President Ruto appointed Hassan Joho as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy.
President Ruto revealed plans to establish a wide-ranging government coalition, coming after a series of violent demonstrations led by Generation Z members against the proposed Finance Bill 2024, ultimately prompting Ruto to withhold his approval.
3. William Kabogo
William Kabogo’s political prospects were left uncertain following his defeat in the 2022 Kiambu gubernatorial elections.
Initially backing the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, Kabogo unexpectedly departed from the group prior to the 2022 general election.
According to speculation, Kabogo has returned to politics following President Ruto’s appointment of him to the newly formed diverse cabinet.
On December 19, a major cabinet reshuffle was implemented, in which the president appointed former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo as the new Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy.
If it receives parliamentary approval, Kabogo, 63, will succeed Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
4. Lee Kinyanjui
Former Nakuru county governor Joseph Nakiti alias Lee Kinyanjui is among politicians who have managed to return to the political scene due to the expanded Cabinet.
Nakuru’s gubernatorial seat was seized from Kinyanjui, with Susan Kihika of the UDA party emerging victorious in the bid for the position.
Kenyan politician, Kinyanjui Lucky, was recently appointed to the country’s Cabinet by William Ruto, the head of state, on December 19, through an announcement made by Felix Kosgei, Ruto’s Chief of Staff.
The ex-governor of Nakuru was appointed to lead the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry.
Other notable politicians who have made significant comebacks in their careers include John Mbadi, Kagwe Mutahi, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi and Ndiritu Muriithi.
Wandayi mentioned that he is aware the Nyanza region has been lacking in the government, going by their numbers. He claimed that a single presidential guard who comes from Nyanza is a mistake that must be corrected. He emphasized that there must be a Ministry of the North Eastern region to address the marginalization of that area.
The permanent secretary of Energy, Opiyo Wandayi, has stated that the region of Nyanza will consistently remain involved in government matters.
During a Thanksgiving ceremony at his home in Ugunja on Friday, 16th August, Wandayi promised his community that they would never again be left out of government.
The CS commended President Ruto’s expansive cabinet, observing that it embodies the country’s overall spectrum of diversity.
Wandayi thanked opposition leader Raila Odinga for allowing members affiliated with his party ODM to join the government.
More to follow…
