President William Ruto made unexpected changes on Wednesday, expanding Prime Cabinet CS Musalia Mudavadi's role to include Foreign Affairs, stripping Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of his previously assigned responsibilities.

In March 2023, Gachagua had been given foreign policy duties, but now Mudavadi takes charge, reshaping the balance of power within the cabinet.

Observers noted the surprise nature of these alterations, with some Cabinet Secretaries reportedly unaware of the impending reshuffle.

The shift in control over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs marks a significant change, and diplomatic missions will no longer report directly to the Deputy President's office.

Mudavadi, in response to the changes, expressed his readiness to take on the added responsibilities and safeguard Kenyan interests at home and abroad.

Meanwhile, Alfred Mutua has assumed the role vacated by Mudavadi, overseeing the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. As of now, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has not issued a statement.