RUTO OUT

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 21 – President Mwai Kibaki has made a mini reshuffle of the Cabinet, removing William Ruto from the powerful Agriculture Ministry.

In what may be seen as a demotion, Mr Ruto has been posted to the Higher Education docket, swapping places with Dr Sally Kosgei.

A statement from State House Nairobi said the President made the decision following consultations with Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Also affected by the reshuffle is Belgut MP Charles Keter – a trusted ally of Mr Ruto - who has been sacked. Both have stated they will reject the Constitution and have been mobilising their constituents to vote ‘No’.

Mr Ruto’s stand on the Constitution has pitted him against Mr Odinga who is already making countrywide tours drumming support for the document.

Mr Odinga is the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement while the Eldoret North MP is one of his two deputies.

The PM had suffered a setback earlier in the year, when he attempted to suspend Mr Ruto from the Agriculture docket over a multi-million shillings maize scandal.

In the changes announced by State House, Amos Kimunya will act as Minister for Transport in addition to his current portfolio as Trade Minister.

The position was left vacant by Chirau Ali Mwakwere who lost his parliamentary seat when the High Court nullified his election.

Samuel Kazungu Kambi will act as Assistant Minister for Medical Services, while North Mugirango MP Wilfred Moriasi Ombui has been appointed Assistant Minister in the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture, Office of the Vice President.

Kiprono Magerer has been posted to the Ministry of Energy as an Assistant Minister.