On November 21, 2001, President Daniel arap Moi carried out a major Cabinet reshuffle, elevating nominated MP Uhuru Kenyatta to the position of Local Government Minister and Mr. Cyrus Jirongo to Cabinet. Moi also dismissed Rural Development Minister Francis Masakhalia, moved Chris Obure to Finance, and reassigned former Finance Minister Chris Okemo to a joint Energy docket with Raila Odinga. Marsden Madoka was promoted to Foreign Affairs, while long-serving KANU Secretary General Joseph Kamotho lost the Local Government portfolio to Uhuru. The appointment marked the rapid political rise of Uhuru Kenyatta, who was warmly embraced by Eldoret Mayor Josiah Magut.