Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo faced tough scrutiny on Tuesday as he addressed longstanding allegations of drug dealing during his vetting for the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for ICT and the Digital Economy position.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kabogo vehemently denied the accusations, which he said had plagued him for years.
“I do not do hard drugs,” Kabogo declared in response to a question by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
“I have tirelessly battled accusations of being a drug dealer. I have sued some media houses that circulated these malicious claims and won the cases against them. This is an issue I will live with my whole life,” he added.
Kabogo, who served as Kiambu governor from 2013 to 2017 before losing to Ferdinand Waititu, was among President William Ruto’s Cabinet nominees announced in December 2024. His nomination, along with those of Mutahi Kagwe and Lee Kinyanjui, is seen by political analysts as an effort to counterbalance the growing influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the Mount Kenya region.
Other Nominees’ Highlights
Former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui was nominated as CS for Investments, Trade, and Industry, while Mutahi Kagwe, a former Health CS, is eyeing the Agriculture and Livestock Development portfolio.
Earlier in his vetting, Kagwe emphasized the critical role of technology in agriculture, aiming to modernize the sector and attract young people.
“The future of agriculture is heavily reliant on technology. Introducing modern agricultural techniques would appeal to young people who are well-versed in technological advancements,” he said.
On the controversial livestock vaccination program proposed by President William Ruto, Kagwe stressed that vaccination should not be mandatory.
“We need to involve all relevant stakeholders and provide accurate information. Livestock owners must have the choice on whether to vaccinate their animals,” he said, pledging to use experts to address misconceptions about the program.
Tackling Challenges
Kagwe also vowed to combat cartels within the agriculture sector if his nomination is approved.
Kabogo’s and Kagwe’s vetting comes amid heightened political intrigue, with observers keenly watching how these appointments could shift power dynamics in the Ruto administration.
