The National Assembly is set to vet two Cabinet Secretary nominees today, April 14, 2025, as Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Cheptumo appear before the Committee on Appointments. The two were named in President William Ruto’s recent cabinet reshuffle and are now undergoing scrutiny to determine their suitability for the roles.
Ruku First in Line for Vetting
Scheduled for 2:00 PM, Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku will face the committee chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. Ruku has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. His vetting will assess his academic qualifications, professional background, and integrity. Given his legislative experience, questions may arise on his preparedness to transition from lawmaking to executive leadership.
Cheptumo’s Turn at 4:00 PM
Former Baringo North MP Hanna Cheptumo will follow, seeking approval as the nominee for the Ministry of Gender, Culture, The Arts, and Heritage. Cheptumo’s track record in public service and her understanding of gender and cultural issues will likely be under scrutiny. Her ability to steer key initiatives, such as gender equality and heritage preservation, will be critical in the evaluation.
What the Vetting Entails
The committee will examine the nominees’ compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. Their past records, including any legal or ethical concerns, will also be reviewed. Public participation and memoranda submitted regarding their suitability may influence the committee’s decision.
Next Steps
Once the vetting concludes, the committee will table its report in the National Assembly for debate and approval. If endorsed, the nominees will be formally appointed by the president. However, rejection by either the committee or the full House would force President Ruto to propose new candidates.
Today’s proceedings mark a crucial step in Kenya’s governance process, ensuring that only qualified and ethical individuals assume top executive roles. The outcome will shape the effectiveness of the affected ministries and the broader government agenda.
