The rewards for political loyalty have been disbursed. In a special gazette notice released this morning, President William Ruto and his Cabinet Secretaries have appointed dozens of election losers and party loyalists to the boards of key state agencies, cementing the UDA’s grip on the "Deep State."

The appointments sweep across the energy, transport, and agricultural sectors. Notable names include former MPs who lost in 2022 and regional kingpins who helped mobilize the "Hustler" vote. Critics argue this creates a bloated government, while supporters call it "regional balancing."

The Key Appointments

• Energy Sector: The board of Kenya Power and Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has been overhauled. The new appointees are tasked with delivering the President's promise of cheap power—a promise that has so far remained elusive.
• Agriculture: The Tea and Coffee boards have new chairpersons, signaling a renewed push to reform the cartels stifling farmers. Deputy President Gachagua’s allies are visibly present in these dockets.
• The Meritocracy Debate: Civil society groups have flagged the lack of technical expertise among some appointees. "We are recycling politicians to run billion-shilling corporations," said the Law Society of Kenya. "This is why parastatals fail."

Consolidating Power

By placing allies in charge of state corporations, Ruto ensures that his agenda faces no bureaucratic resistance. It is a classic strategy of patronage, turning state agencies into extensions of the party machine as the countdown to 2027 begins.