National Assembly approves Ruku, Wendot for Cabinet roles amid controversy and consensus
With both nominees now cleared by MPs, the next step is for the Speaker to forward the report to the President.
Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Wendot have received the National Assembly’s approval to join the Cabinet, following a unanimous vote on Wednesday. This now sets the stage for their formal appointment and swearing-in by President William Ruto.
Their confirmation came just two days after they appeared before the Committee on Appointments on Monday, where Ruku was vetted for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Wendot for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.
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The committee’s report, which was laid before the House on Tuesday, was adopted without any opposition. The motion cited constitutional and legal guidelines as the basis for the appointments.
"Taking into consideration the finding of the Committee on Appointments in its fifth report on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Cabinet Secretaries, laid on the table of the House on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 152(2) of the constitution and section 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments Act, Cap 7(f) this house approves the appointment of the following persons as Cabinet Secretaries; Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku to the ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Projects and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo to the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage."
Ruku, who is set to replace former CS Justin Muturi, told the committee during vetting that he would carry out his duties with integrity and fairness.
“I will serve the country without fear or favour,” he said, while outlining plans to improve employment practices within the Public Service sector.
He also promised to promote inclusivity in public appointments and focus on improving job and business opportunities across the country.
Hanna Wendot, widow of former Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, was nominated to lead a ministry that has not had a full-time Cabinet Secretary since July 2024, when the Cabinet was dissolved. She will replace Aisha Jumwa, who was removed during a government shake-up.
Her nomination stirred debate after comments she made during her vetting session sparked backlash.
Wendot suggested that victims of femicide were often uneducated or driven by financial needs — a statement that was quickly challenged by several MPs.
“They are educated, but those are looking for money. You know a girl has many needs,” she said.
The remarks drew criticism, with Likoni MP Mishi Mboko strongly opposing her view. Mboko raised a point of order, stating:
“It is not good to say that those girls are looking for money and that is why they are brutally murdered.”
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei also demanded an apology while still voicing her support for Wendot’s appointment.
“As much as I agree with the leader of the majority on the professionalism of Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, I still think that the statement she made was unfortunate, was completely politically incorrect, and she must apologise,” said Shollei.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah addressed the issue in Parliament, offering an apology on Wendot’s behalf and explaining the circumstances surrounding her comment.
“Ever since the incident happened, I have indeed spoken to her (Cheptumo) and she has offered her unreserved apologies to the country, to the (National Assembly Appointments) Committee, to this house for that inadvertent statement and I think it is only right that we support this lady,” Ichung’wah said.
He added that Wendot was in an unfamiliar environment and likely spoke under pressure.
“Without being an apologist for her, it is only right that we understand the context in which things are said. Someone who has not been in the space that she was in that day is likely to make such small mistakes. When you have no less than 20 cameras on your face, people panic and may answer questions in a way that they never intended.”
With both nominees now cleared by MPs, the next step is for the Speaker to forward the report to the President. All eyes are now on the State House, where the two are expected to be sworn in and officially begin their duties in the Cabinet.
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