Govt spokesman predicts CSs, PSs quitting Ruto's regime enmase before elections

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

• Government spokesperson Charles Owino predicted that Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries in President William Ruto's administration will defect ahead of the 2027 General Election

• Owino argued that the anticipated departures are driven by personal political ambitions rather than genuine concern for ordinary Kenyans

• The spokesperson cited the broader pattern of political infighting and opportunism, including chants of 'one term' directed at Ruto

Government spokesperson Charles Owino has forecast a wave of political defections from President William Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He warned that serving Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries will turn on the president once they calculate it is in their personal interest to do so.

Owino made the remarks while reflecting on the current state of political loyalty within the government, arguing that those who are expected to jump ship are motivated entirely by self-interest rather than any genuine concern for the welfare of Kenyans.

Owino Calls Out Political Theatrics

Speaking in a radio interview, Owino painted a vivid picture of how he expects events to unfold.

He said that some officials who have enjoyed generous government salaries, official vehicles, and the prestige of senior public office will, come February next year, begin publicly criticising the President in a bid to position themselves politically.

"Right now, there are Principal Secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries, come next February, after having drawn a government salary, driven in a big car, and served as a PS or CS, who will start insulting the president," Owino said.

"They'll come to mislead the public, saying they are there for the people yet, they've lined their pockets with handsome salaries and benefits before saying this."

He went further, predicting that the same individuals will attempt to reconcile with Ruto should the president win re-election in the August 2027 poll.

According to Owino, defectors typically approach the President after such outcomes hoping to regain government positions, attributing their earlier opposition to pressure from constituents.

Defections Driven by Self-Interest

Owino also addressed the broader pattern of political switching currently visible in Kenyan politics, noting that many defections are timed to align with shifting political fortunes rather than any principled stand.

"If you look closely, these defections are driven by self-interest. Perhaps someone didn't get a government job, or was removed from a previous position," he said. He added that the public should interrogate the timing of such moves: "You have to ask them: 'Why are you defecting now? Why didn't you leave last year?'"

He drew on his own experience in Nyanza politics to illustrate how political kingmakers operate for their own benefit, noting that even senior opposition figures have historically found ways to work with successive administrations.

Owino referenced former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as an example of the fluid nature of Kenyan political alignments, pointing out that Raila had served in governments led by Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and now works alongside Ruto, despite past fallouts with each of them.

The spokesperson urged ordinary citizens not to be swayed by politicians who shift positions based on timing, but instead to examine each figure's track record and the circumstances surrounding their political moves.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.