President William Ruto has nominated Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku as the new Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. If approved by Parliament, Ruku will replace Justin Muturi, who has been relieved of his duties.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei on Wednesday. According to Koskei, the changes are part of an effort to strengthen the executive and enhance the administration’s capacity to drive Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.
“His Excellency the President has today instituted further changes to the senior ranks of the Executive within Cabinet. By virtue of the Presidential Action, Cabinet is set to achieve its constitutional full strength; a move that bolsters the Administration’s capacity to continue to steer Kenya’s socio-economic transformation,” Koskei stated.
Alongside Ruku’s nomination, President Ruto also named Hannah Wendot Cheptumo as the new CS nominee for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. Both nominees are expected to bring valuable experience and leadership to their respective roles, according to Koskei.
“The two nominees are expected to bring to Cabinet not only the knowledge and experience acquired over the course of their illustrious careers but, above all, their wisdom accumulated from their inspiring and diverse life journeys,” he added.
President Ruto congratulated both nominees and wished them success as they undergo the parliamentary approval process in accordance with constitutional requirements.
In additional changes, Environment CS Aden Duale was swapped with Health CS Deborah Barasa. These moves reflect the administration’s ongoing realignment efforts to strengthen governance and policy implementation.
Muturi’s dismissal comes after he publicly criticized the government in February, alleging state involvement in a series of abductions that occurred during Gen Z-led protests in June last year. Despite facing backlash, Muturi defended his remarks, stating in a recent TV interview that he stood by his stance and should be commended rather than vilified.
As Parliament prepares to vet the new nominees, all eyes will be on how these appointments shape the future of Ruto’s administration.
