President Uhuru Kenyatta's elevation of former Nyeri senator Mutahi Kagwe to the position of Health Cabinet Secretary is strategic, political scholar Prof Peter Kagwanja has observed.
Uhuru on Tuesday picked Kagwe, one of his staunch supporters from the Mt Kenya region to the cabinet, as he dropped Mwangi Kiunjuri, formerly in charge of the Agriculture docket.
Kagwanja, also a columnist, observes that Uhuru is keen on bringing on board people who can help him realize the legacy he wants to leave behind after his expected retirement in 2022.
''Mr Kagwe’s elevation should be viewed as part of the President’s reorganisation of his team of supporters and helpers he needs in accomplishing his legacy agenda,” he said on Friday.
He added that the president is also acknowledging that Kagwe and other Mt Kenya bigwigs were subjected to unfair losses in the 2017 Jubilee Party nominations.
He claimed that Uhuru is trying to put into use his competence now that he is not in office.
“This group includes former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura. The President is cognisant they did not lose in a fair contest and recognises their competence and potential,” he added.
Kiunjuri's sacking came at a time when he was being seen to openly defy the president, including through his questioning of the Uhuri-backed constitutional amendment push.