The National Assembly has addressed a letter circulating online purporting to originate from the Office of the Clerk, calling for the vetting of Kenya African National Union (KANU) Chairman Gideon Moi and the Orange Democratic Movement ( ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to the cabinet.
The letter, dated Thursday, October 30, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Abdi Ahmed Mohamud, went viral on social media today.
The document claimed that the National Assembly had submitted names of four individuals for vetting ahead of potential cabinet appointments. The list included John Methu, Edwin Sifuna, Naisula Lesuuda, and Kipsielei Towett Moi.
Parliament however has flagged the letter as fake.
According to the letter, both Sifuna and Gideon Moi were to be vetted by the EACC to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards before confirmation. It even carried a 'signature' of Samuel Njoroge, the Clerk of the National Assembly, alongside a counterfeit parliamentary seal and reference details.
“This Document is not from the National Assembly / Parliament of Kenya. It is 𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐄. Kindly disregard it,” Parliament of Kenya insisted.
The fake letter started making rounds following claims that President William Ruto was considering reshuffling his cabinet after extending an olive branch to former Baringo senator Gideon Moi.
It also comes about two weeks after President William Ruto announced that the Kenya African National Union (KANU), led by Gideon Moi, has joined the broad-based government.
The announcement was made on Friday, October 10, during a meeting at Moi’s Kabarak residence, which was attended by thousands of KANU grassroots leaders and supporters.
President Ruto described KANU as “fundamental to the nation” and emphasised that his outreach to Gideon Moi was part of a broader plan to unite the country.
“I looked for Gideon Moi because national cohesion is bigger than our differences,” Ruto said, highlighting the historical role of KANU in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Ruto clarified that his engagement with Moi was driven by the need to unite the nation and prioritise development in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“I reached out to my brother so that we can help move the country forward. If there is any problem anywhere, do not blame Moi, you can blame me,” the President said.
“I looked for my brother to come and help me lift this country from the third world to the levels of Singapore,” he added.
He noted that his outreach to Moi is part of a broader effort that also includes engaging former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga - the late.
However, speculation is mounting over an imminent Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate members of KANU and after changes within ODM ranks following Raila Odinga's death, as Ruto seeks to consolidate a broader coalition.
While no official statement has been issued, reports from multiple outlets suggest that back- channel discussions between ODM and UDA leaders have intensified since Raila’s passing, with talk of forming a single political front under the Kenya Kwanza umbrella.
UDA strategists believe that bringing ODM on board could stabilise regions that traditionally voted opposition, while ODM insiders see it as a way to protect Raila’s legacy and influence government policy. But not everyone is on board. ODM leaders have been quick to downplay any notion of an outright merger.
