In my column of April 8, 2023 titled 50 CAS Positions for Ruto’s Cronies is Indefensible, I argued that President William Ruto’s appointment of assistant ministers was not only unconstitutional but also served a personal rather than a national purpose. Uhuru Kenyatta started this odious precedent by going against the 2010 Constitution and reviving the position of assistant minister.
The Constitution stipulates a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 22 Cabinet members. Putting a cap on the number was not a whimsical decision, it was meant to end abuse of executive prerogative in making appointments to Cabinet.
