Mwangi Kiunjuri has been axed from the Cabinet. Kiunjuri, who headed the Agriculture docket, has been replaced by Peter Munya, who has shifted positions from Trade Ministry. Kiunjuri has been in the spotlight recently over the ongoing maize probe.
In July 2019, Members of Parliament pressured him into resigning after it emerged that Sh1.8 billion had allegedly been withdrawn from the Strategic Food Reserve Trust Fund as an advance payment for maize importation. In the cabinet reshuffle, President Uhuru Kenyatta firmed Ukur Yattani helsmanship at the National Treasury where he was the acting CS. Suspended CS Henry Rotich’s name has been dropped from the Treasury docket.
Rotich who has been linked to the Arror and Kimwarer dams scandal along with his former PS Kamau Thugge, is facing multiple criminal charges, including abuse of office, conspiracy to commit economic crimes, single-sourcing for projects, and approving payments contrary to the law. CS Rachael Omamo moves from Defence to Foreign Affairs.
Her move comes in the midst of an ongoing Al-Shabaab resurgence. The terrorist group overran a US military air base in Manda, Lamu, killing three Americans. Defence will now be headed by Monica Juma, who previously led the Foreign Affairs docket. Sicily Kariuki goes to the Water Ministry from Health while Simon Chelugui shifts to Labour from Water. Former Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe is the Health Ministry boss while economist Betty Maina will head the Trade Ministry.
Source : Standard Digital
