Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale now wants supporters of Deputy President William Ruto not to read too much into the promotion of Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
This is after a section of DP followers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction following the appointment of Matiang'i as the chairman of the newly created National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In an Executive Order Number 1 of 2019, the President gave Matiang'i powers to supervise his fellow Cabinet Secretaries in the execution of government programmes, projects and the Big Four.
According to the directive, the Interior CS who will be deputised by his Treasury colleague Henry Rotich, will be reporting directly to the Head of State.
The appointment has been interpreted by some DP followers as a strategy to undermine Ruto who, according to the Constitution, is Uhuru's principal assistant.
They argue that by making Matiang'i chief minister, the President had turned Ruto into lame-duck DP.
But Khalwale has asked Ruto's supporters not to panic, saying the DP was still powerful and explained instances when Interior CS would report to him.
The former legislator quoted Article 134 of the Constitution which outlines presidential powers which DP can exercise during temporary incumbency.
Temporary incumbency arises from the death, absence, incapacitation, impeachment or resignation of the President.
"I would urge Members of Parliament from DP Ruto’s camp to remain calm. The opportunity is coming and it must come when Article 134 will be exercised ( maybe when the President is out of the country) and Matiang’i will have to report to DP Ruto," Khalwale said.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, the FORD-Kenya deputy party leader further supported the changes made by Uhuru in the government saying they were within the law.
"The constitution allows the President to rearrange/ give roles in his government as and when he wishes," Khalwale added.