MPs approve Ruku and Wendot for cabinet positions
During his vetting, Geoffrey Ruku, who is set to replace former CS Justin Muturi, pledged to serve with integrity and fairness if confirmed.
Members of Parliament have given the green light to Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Wendot to join the Cabinet, following a unanimous vote in the National Assembly on Wednesday, paving the way for their formal appointment by the President.
The approval comes just two days after the pair appeared before the Committee on Appointments, which vetted them for the positions of Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.
Their vetting took place on Monday, following their nomination by President William Ruto.
The House adopted the Committee’s report, which was tabled on Tuesday, with no opposition raised during the debate.
The motion presented to the floor cited constitutional and legal provisions guiding the appointment of Cabinet Secretaries.
"Taking into consideration the finding of the Committee on Appointments in its fifth report on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Cabinet Secretaries, laid on the table of the House on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 152(2) of the constitution and section 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments Act, Cap 7(f) this house approves the appointment of the following persons as Cabinet Secretaries; Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku to the ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Projects and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo to the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage," said Ugenya MP David Ochieng, who is a member of the Speaker's panel.
Once the report is sent by the Speaker to the President, the two nominees are expected to be sworn in and assume their new roles.
During his vetting, Geoffrey Ruku, who is set to replace former CS Justin Muturi, pledged to serve with integrity and fairness if confirmed.
He told the committee, "I will serve the country without fear or favour," and emphasized his intention to improve the Public Service sector, particularly in employment practices.
Ruku also stated that he would push for inclusivity in hiring, saying that all appointments should reflect the diversity of the country as required by the Constitution.
The Mbeere North MP added that his focus will also include creating better conditions for employment and business opportunities across the country.
Hanna Wendot, the widow of former Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, was nominated to take over a docket that has lacked a full-time Cabinet Secretary since the Cabinet was dissolved on July 11, 2024.
She will step into the role last held by Aisha Jumwa, who was dismissed following the shake-up.
Wendot’s appointment ends a long period of vacancy and brings a new face to the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage.
With the parliamentary nod now granted, all eyes turn to State House for the final step — the swearing-in ceremony that will officially bring the new Cabinet Secretaries into office.