Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, has voiced strong criticism against President William Ruto’s recent diplomatic appointments, accusing the government of recycling failed politicians at the expense of career diplomats. His remarks come in response to the president’s latest nominations, which included former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha as the Permanent Representative to the UN-Habitat in Nairobi, and Peter Tum as ambassador to Kinshasa, DRC. Other nominees include James Buyekane for Consul General in Guangzhou, China, and Abdi Fidhow for Consul General in Arusha, Tanzania.
During parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, Junet expressed his opposition to the approval of these nominations, suggesting that political appointments to diplomatic positions undermine the careers of seasoned diplomats. “You cannot be recycling people who have served in a high office and then give them another office,” Junet remarked. “When will career diplomats get a chance to serve in our diplomatic missions?”
Junet further argued that the practice demoralizes career civil servants, who often work their way up in the diplomatic field only to see political figures appointed to prestigious roles. He highlighted the stagnation of diplomats who reach deputy ambassador positions, only to be bypassed by politicians seeking cushy foreign postings. “Every politician or civil servant who has failed is being dumped in a certain mission somewhere in the world,” he said.
The Minority Leader also noted that this practice began during the Jubilee administration and is now continuing under President Ruto’s leadership. He pointed out that past regimes, including those of Presidents Moi and Kibaki, did not engage in such political recycling.
Junet called for a shift in priorities, urging President Ruto to appoint more career diplomats, suggesting that at least six or seven out of every 10 diplomatic appointments should be filled by those with a long-standing career in diplomacy. He concluded with a cheeky jab at Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, suggesting that politicians like her should only be appointed after proving themselves at the polls.
