ODINGA FIRED ME

The biggest casualty in Wednesday’s Cabinet mini reshuffle has revealed how he learnt of his sacking.

Former Energy assistant minister Charles Keter – the only politician to be sacked during the reshuffle - recounted how officials at the Office of the President broke the news of his sacking to him after he called to know his fate moments after learning that there had been a reshuffle.

“I tried to call OP to find out my position but I could not get through initially. When I eventually got through, OP told me it is obvious you have been sacked,” he narrated.

When he prodded further, the officials told him that his sacking had been recommended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“They explained to me that according to the National Accord, it is the Prime Minister who was in charge of ODM ministers so it was him who made that recommendation that I be sacked, but I’m not bitter” Mr Keter added, though visibly dejected.

On Thursday morning, the Belgut MP reported to his former office at Nyayo House, Nairobi, packed his personal belongings and handed over all official documents to an under secretary at the ministry before holding a press conference.

“As you can see, I’ve packed all my personal belongings, I’ve not handed over because the minister is not around at the moment, I’ll be back at midday to see him,” he said.

Of the seven ministers and assistant ministers affected in the mini reshuffle, it was only Mr Keter who was fired as the others were either moved from one ministry to another or appointed to fill vacant positions.

Former Agriculture minister William Ruto swapped places with his Higher Education counterpart Dr Sally Kosgei while Trade minister Amos Kimunya was named to act as Transport Minister in the absence of Chirau Ali Mwakwere who is awaiting a by-election.

North Mugirango MP Wilfred Ombui was appointed the new National Heritage assistant minister, a position that had been left vacant after it’s previous occupant, Joel Onyancha failed to recapture his Bomachoge seat.

Kaloleni MP Kazungu Kambi was likewise named Medical services assistant minister to replace Garsen MP Danson Mungatana who resigned last year.

The Presidential Press Service (PPS) bulletin announcing the mini reshuffle had only indicated that Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat had been appointed Energy assistant minister but there was no mention of Mr Keter, prompting him to start making phone calls to know his fate.

Mr Keter said he suspected that he had been fired when he learnt that Mr Magerer had been appointed Energy assistant minister.

“I just knew, when I knew it was Magerer, who comes from my place, you don’t have to wait to be kicked out but I wish him well,” the Belgut MP added.

Mr Keter, 40, is a close ally of Mr Ruto and one of the Rift Valley MPs who have broken ranks with the Prime Minister on issues such as the Mau evictions, the International Criminal Court (ICC) trials for those who bear the biggest responsibility for the post election violence and, lately, the draft constitution.

Like Mr Ruto and a section of the Rift Valley MPs, Mr Keter has kept off most functions held by his party, ODM like the Parliamentary Group meetings and publicly questioned Mr Odinga’s leadership.