President William Ruto announced a new round of changes within his administration, kicking away Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and nominating various leaders to new cabinet positions, on Wednesday, March 26.
The Head of State replaced Justin Muturi with Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku, while Hanna Cheptumo Wendot was nominated to the Ministry of Gender and Culture.
Hannah is the Wife of the late Senator William Cheptumo.
Further, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was transferred to the Ministry of Health while Deborah Barasa, who previously headed the health docket, was transferred to the Ministry of Environment.
“His Excellency the president has today instituted further changes to the senior ranks of the executives within Cabinet. By the Presidential Action, the Cabinet is set to achieve its constitutional full strength,” read part of a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.
According to Mohamed, the changes are aimed at bolstering the cabinet’s capacity to continue to steer Kenya’s socioeconomic transformation.
Hannah Webot and Geoffrey Ruku are now expected to undergo parliamentary scrutiny. If approved, their names will be forwarded to the Head of State for appointment.
“The nominees are expected to bring to Cabinet not only the knowledge and experience acquired throughout their illustrious careers but, above all, their wisdom accumulated from their inspiring and diverse life journeys,” read part of Ruto’s statement.
Ruku, before the latest appointment, was a Member of Parliament for Mbeere North. He replaces Muturi, who, before his dismissal, held the position for eight months since August last year.
Muturi, who previously served in different capacities within Preident William Ruto’s administration, has been a great critic of the government, accusing it of allegedly orchestrating the abduction of youthful Kenyans.
His dismissal comes just a day after President Ruto criticised him over what he termed as incompetence by the former Attorney General.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 25, during an Iftar session with the Muslim community at State House in Nairobi, Ruto said Muturi was unskilled in handling legal matters.
“As we move forward, we will continue to look at the issues that have been raised here, issues of education, and find a nexus between religious and formal education to determine what needs to be done,” Ruto said.
“On Waqf, I agree with you; it has taken too long. There is no reason for the delay, and I had a problem with the AG who was there. He was fairly incompetent, but now I have a very competent lady, and I can assure you the issues of Waqf will be sorted out,” added Ruto.
