Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has officially declined President William Ruto’s nomination to serve as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.

Citing personal and compelling family matters.

Ndung’u was set to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations for vetting on Friday morning.

However, she instead submitted a formal letter announcing her decision to forgo the role.

The Committee’s chair, Nelson Koech, read the letter to the members, noting the unusual streak surrounding the Accra posting.

Ndung’u is the second nominee to turn down the position, following the withdrawal of former West Mugirango MP Victor Mogaka Kemosi in April 2024.

In her letter, Ndung’u expressed gratitude for the opportunity but emphasized that personal circumstances made it impossible to accept the appointment.

“I appreciate the invitation to appear before the Departmental Committee on January 10, 2025, at Parliament in Nairobi,” she wrote.

She continued, “However, due to personal and compelling family matters,

I am unable to take up the role of High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President Ruto on November 19, 2024.

To save the Committee’s time, this letter serves as my official notice of non-appearance.”

Ndung’u’s decision comes as a surprise, especially given her high-profile nomination alongside other distinguished candidates,

Including Dr. Andrew Karanja (Ambassador to Brazil), Ababu Namwamba (Permanent Representative to UNEP), and Noor Gabow (Consul-General to Port-au-Prince).

The other nominees are expected to undergo their vetting as scheduled.

This development adds to the complexity of filling the Accra posting, which now remains vacant after two withdrawals in less than a year.

The government now faces the challenge of identifying a suitable candidate for the role.