Fired Health CS Nakhumicha nominated as Kenya’s UN envoy in mini-reshuffle after turbulent tenure

Former Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Nakhumicha S. Wafula. (Photo/Courtesy)

By Lucy Mumbi
Thursday, March 20, 2025

From failed prescriptions to diplomatic postings, Nakhumicha’s transition marks a new chapter after her abrupt removal from office.

Fired Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha gets a soft landing after a tumultuous period at Afya House last year.

President William Ruto has nominated her as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, replacing Grace Okara just seven months into the role.

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From failed prescriptions to diplomatic postings, Nakhumicha’s transition marks a new chapter after her abrupt removal from office.

“In accordance with Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President has nominated the following persons to serve as ambassadors, consuls-general and deputy heads of mission in Kenya's foreign missions abroad, namely, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Kenya to the UN Habitat, Nairobi,” Ruto said in the latest changes.

Nakhumicha was removed from office on July 11, 2024, when President Ruto announced the dismissal of all Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General Justin Muturi. The move was a response to public outcry during the Gen Z protests, which saw young Kenyans rallying against the government’s policies.

Notably, the shake-up spared only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as Foreign Affairs CS, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who would later be impeached

A month later, Ruto restructured his administration, bringing in opposition figures to bolster the Kenya Kwanza agenda, excluding the former health CS.

Nakhumicha then lamented the challenges she has faced since her dismissal.

In a heartfelt plea for prayers, she described the stark contrast between holding a prestigious Cabinet position and suddenly returning to civilian life.

“You sleep as a CS, and when you wake up, you are not one; you sleep as a deputy president, and when you wake up, you are not one. We leave everything to God. Bishop, pray for me. It is not easy, having been a minister, and then suddenly, you are just Nakhumicha. You know my name is unique; when you mention it, many associate it with the Health CS. Pray for me,” she said.

She noted that she largely stayed out of the public eye, making occasional appearances.

“God has been good to me, and I am expecting good things to come my way soon. Bishop, pray for me,” she told Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.

Reflecting on her tenure, Nakhumicha admitted that one of her greatest regrets was failing to resolve the long-standing doctors’ strikes that plagued her time as health CS.