Just a few days after the vetting of President William Ruto’s cabinet nominees, the President has moved forward and officially gazetted their appointments.
This means they are now only awaiting the swearing-in ceremony before they can officially take up their roles.
On Wednesday night, President Ruto issued a special gazette notice confirming the appointment of Geoffrey Ruku as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo as the Cabinet Secretary for Gender.
This announcement followed approval by the National Assembly after a heated debate and recommendations from the Appointments Committee.
The appointments, however, have sparked public criticism and concern, especially surrounding Cheptumo’s remarks during her vetting session held on Monday.
Human rights groups, politicians, and many Kenyans expressed outrage after Cheptumo made comments that many considered to be victim blaming.
During her vetting, Cheptumo claimed that many women who become victims of femicide are often in such situations because they were seeking money.
She went further to say that such women are usually not economically empowered or well-educated, which prevents them from earning their own money, adding that “a girl has many needs.”
These remarks were met with widespread backlash, especially on social media, where Kenyans called for accountability and questioned her suitability for the Gender docket.
During Wednesday’s session in Parliament, many Members of Parliament across different political parties agreed that her statements were inappropriate. However, they felt that an apology would be enough to move forward.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah led the House in issuing an apology on Cheptumo’s behalf. Additionally, an unverified X (formerly Twitter) account believed to be hers also issued a public apology.
On his part, Geoffrey Ruku used the session to make a farewell speech to the House as he prepares to take up his new position in the Cabinet.
The outgoing Mbeere North MP expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Parliament.
“It has been the honour of my life to serve my constituents in this Parliament for two years and seven months,” Ruku said emotionally.
“I want to thank you, Hon. Speaker, my fellow MPs, and the Clerk of the National Assembly for all the support and cooperation you have given me.”
In addition to Ruku and Cheptumo, the gazette notice also confirmed the appointment of 14 new Principal Secretaries, whose vetting had just recently concluded. The approved PSs include:
- Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya
- Regina Akoth Ombam
- Cyrell Odede Wagunda
- Dr. Caroline Wanjiru Karugu
- Dr. Fredrick Ouma Oluga
- Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim
- Judith Nayiai Ramaita-Pareno
- Bonface Barasa Makokha
- Prof. Shaukat Ali Abdulrazak
- Stephen Isaboke
- Michael Lenasalon
- Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Kahindi
- Carren Ageng’o Achieng
- Aden Abdi Millah
These appointments, while legally concluded, have left many Kenyans debating whether the vetting process should place more emphasis on the nominees’ statements and public sentiments.
As the new appointees prepare to begin their duties, all eyes will be on how they perform and whether they will win public trust.
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