On July 23, the National Assembly acknowledged receiving public recommendations to eliminate the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. These suggestions were presented to the National Assembly Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations, chaired by Ndindi Nyoro, the Member of Parliament for Kiharu.
In its report on the Budget and Appropriations Committee’s First Supplementary Estimates for the Financial Year 2024/25, Parliament stated that the proposal to eliminate the Executive Office currently held by Musalia Mudavadi would be sent to President William Ruto for further action. The committee, led by Ndindi Nyoro, noted that only the Presidency has the authority to abolish this office.
“The Committee has acknowledged this proposal and will submit it for the Executive’s review, emphasizing that the restructuring of the executive is within the President’s jurisdiction,” the report stated.
Although the Budget and Appropriations Committee supported the proposal to eliminate Mudavadi’s office, the Committee on Administration and Internal Security opposed the reorganization of the Executive.
This specifically pertained to the proposed elimination of the Office of the First Lady and the Office of the Spouse to the Deputy President.
The Committee expressed concerns that the sudden removal of these offices might lead to legal challenges for the national government.
“The Committee on Administration and Internal Security noted that staff members in these offices had signed contracts, and terminating their positions could result in litigation or extra costs,” the report said.
A similar issue could arise if President William Ruto approves the abolition of Mudavadi’s office.
The offices of the First Lady and the Spouse of the Deputy President were dissolved following public outcry questioning the necessity of publicly funding these roles.
Ending the contracts of the staff in these offices is anticipated to cost taxpayers over Ksh530 million.