President William Ruto’s two Cabinet Secretary nominees, Geoffrey Ruku and Hannah Cheptumo, received unanimous approval from Members of the National Assembly on Wednesday, following vetting by the Committee on Appointments.
Ruku will now helm the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Projects, replacing Justin Muturi, who was fired during Ruto’s bold cabinet shake-up. Meanwhile, Cheptumo steps into the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, a docket that has remained vacant since Aisha Jumwa’s dismissal in July 2024.
Speaking after the gazettement, President Ruto remarked, “These appointments are rooted in merit and the urgent need to inject fresh energy into the delivery of public service. We are resetting the compass of leadership to align with the needs of Kenyans.”
During the vetting session, both nominees articulated bold visions for their ministries. Ruku pledged to re-engineer the public service system, promising to “restore integrity, innovation, and discipline,” while Cheptumo vowed to reignite national dialogue around gender equity, cultural preservation, and support for the creative industry.
“Kenya cannot afford to leave any voice unheard, especially those of women and the youth,” Cheptumo asserted during her vetting.
The Committee on Appointments, in its fifth report tabled on Tuesday, noted that both Ruku and Cheptumo “demonstrated competence, integrity and a clear grasp of the responsibilities before them.”
The approval also clears the path for the onboarding of 14 newly appointed Principal Secretaries, signaling what many are calling a significant overhaul aimed at revitalizing key government operations.
The new PSs are: Jane Kere Imbunya, Regina Akoth Ombam, Cyrell Odede Wagunda, Caroline Wanjiru Karugu, Fredrick Ouma Olaga, Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, Judith Nayiai Ramaita-Pareno, Bonface Barasa Makokha, Shaukat Ali Abdulrazak, Stephen Isaboke, Michael Lenasalon, Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Kahindi, Carren Ageng’o Achieng and Aden Abdi Millah.
Political analysts have termed Ruto’s latest appointments as strategic and potentially game-changing.
“This is a political recalibration. The president is rewarding loyalty, yes, but more importantly, he’s putting in people who align with his performance-driven agenda,” said political commentator Linda Wekesa.
With the new appointees stepping into office, all eyes will now be on how swiftly and effectively they translate promises into action—at a time when Kenyans are demanding accountability and tangible results from their leaders.
As the dust settles on this latest cabinet reshuffle, one message is loud and clear: President Ruto is not afraid to make bold moves to reshape his administration. Whether this will translate into improved public service delivery remains to be seen—but for now, a new page has turned in Kenya’s leadership story.
