The National Assembly on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, unanimously approved the nomination of Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo as Cabinet Secretaries, following the tabling of the Committee on Appointments’ report on Tuesday.
The duo had been vetted on Monday after their nomination by President William Ruto. Ruku will now head the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Projects, replacing Justin Muturi. Wendot takes over the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, a docket that has remained without a substantive Cabinet Secretary since the dismissal of Aisha Jumwa and the entire Cabinet on July 11, 2024.
The Committee on Appointments endorsed the two nominees, citing their qualifications, experience, and commitment to public service. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula will now forward the report to President Ruto for formal appointment and subsequent swearing-in.
During his vetting, Ruku, who is the outgoing Mbeere North MP, pledged to reform the public service sector. He emphasized the need for inclusivity, transparency, and equity in public appointments, aligning his vision with the principles of the 2010 Constitution.
“I will ensure the face of Kenya is reflected in all public appointments. Our youth must see a future in public service, and we must create space for innovation and job creation,” he said. Ruku also committed to creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and employment across all counties.
Hanna Wendot, widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, was praised for her grassroots experience and deep understanding of gender and cultural dynamics in the country. Her appointment brings renewed hope to a ministry that has lacked stable leadership amid increasing calls for gender equality and support for vulnerable communities.
Her immediate task will include revitalizing gender policies, cultural development programs, and promoting the arts sector, all key to national cohesion and identity.
With the Cabinet reconstitution still underway following last year’s reshuffle, the confirmation of Ruku and Wendot marks a crucial step in President Ruto’s efforts to restore confidence in the executive and improve service delivery across ministries.
