National

President Ruto’s daughter appointed Director of Foreign Service

President William Ruto and his daughter June Rollex Ruto. (Handout)

By Mwangi Maina | Wednesday, July 3, 2024

June Ruto's appointment first came to public attention in 2019 when then-Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma posted photos of her being received in Poland.

President William Ruto’s daughter, June Rollex Ruto, on Wednesday was appointed Director of Foreign Service.

An internal deployment letter from Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei, seen and verified by The Eastleigh Voice, announced the appointment of June Ruto as Director of Foreign Service.

Keep reading

She will also be a participant at the National Defence College.

The internal deployment letter also named Simon Wanyonyi as Deputy Commandant-Civil at the National Defence College.

The National Defence College, led by Lt. General Juma Shee Mwinyikai, is a military institution with a mission to prepare selected senior military officers and civil servants from Kenya and allied countries for higher responsibilities in security and public policy management.

The College's curriculum is implemented by military and foreign affairs ministry members, who identify resource personnel, moderate discussions, and direct presentations.

They also provide tutorials and research guidance to participants throughout the course period.

As a participant at the National Defence College, June will undergo a specialised training program geared towards preparing senior military, foreign affairs officials, and equivalent civil servants for elevated responsibilities in foreign policy management.

This comprehensive year-long program includes intensive coursework, discussions, and exercises aimed at sharpening strategic thinking, leadership acumen, and deepening understanding of national and international security matters.

This opportunity is highly esteemed, reserved for top-tier individuals within the service, aiming to groom leaders for pivotal roles in defence and foreign affairs sectors.

June's assignment to the NDC, alongside Mwende Mwendwa, a former Personal Assistant to Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei, indicates potential for higher roles in the foreign service in future.

Before this role, June was based in the Protocol Department at State House, Nairobi.

In 2022, when William Ruto was Deputy President, he was accused of hypocrisy by some Kenyans after criticising leaders who appointed their family members to top government positions.

Many online users pointed to his daughter's appointment as the Chargée d’Affaires in Poland as an example of such nepotism.

June Ruto's appointment first came to public attention in 2019 when then-Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma posted photos of her being received in Poland.

"Arrived in Warsaw this morning, was received by June Ruto, Chargee D’Affaires," Juma, now Ruto’s National Security Advisor, had captioned the photos at the time.

This role was controversial because Kenya had no diplomatic presence or embassy in Warsaw.