High-profile appointees who have turned down state roles offered by Ruto

In an unusual turn of events, several Kenyans have turned down high-profile government positions offered by President William Ruto.

Despite the prestige associated with such roles, some individuals have cited personal reasons, political climate concerns, or legal considerations as the basis for their rejections.

Since taking office, President Ruto has made several appointments to key positions in his administration, with many positions offering significant influence and the chance to contribute to the country's development.

However, a surprising number of high-profile individuals have declined the opportunity to serve, raising questions about the factors behind their decisions.

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On Saturday, Timothy Bosire, the ODM National Treasurer, rejected his appointment as the non-executive chairperson of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Bosire, who was recently appointed by President Ruto, consulted with family and friends before deciding to decline the role.

"After consultation with a section of the leadership, my family and friends, I have come to the conclusion that I must decline this appointment. I thank the appointing authority, His Excellency President William Ruto, for his consideration," Bosire told Nation.Africa.

Among other notable figures who turned down appointments are:

Margaret Nyambura

The former ICT Cabinet Secretary, Margaret Nyambura, declined her nomination to serve as Kenya's High Commissioner to Ghana in January 2025.

Nyambura was scheduled for vetting by the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, but she did not appear. In her letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, she cited personal and family matters that would not allow her to take up the prestigious position.

"I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for the approval hearing. This has been compelled by my personal and family matters which matters taking into consideration would not allow me to take up the position as the High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President William Ruto," Nyambura wrote.

Vincent Kemosi

In April 2024, Vincent Kemosi, a former Member of Parliament for West Mugirango, also declined his appointment as Kenya's High Commissioner to Ghana. Kemosi, nominated by the president and vetted by the National Assembly, cited family reasons as the basis for his decision.

"I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said Committee at the time and venue specified for the approval. This has been occasioned by my personal and compelling family matters which after taking into consideration do not allow me to take up the position," Kemosi said.

Victor Munyaka

Victor Munyaka, the former Member of Parliament for Machakos Town, turned down his appointment to chair the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre (KAGRC) in October 2024. Munyaka explained that after extensive consultations and considering the current political climate, which he believed could affect the government's economic transformation agenda, he chose to respectfully decline the offer.

"I thank the Head of State for offering me the opportunity to serve Kenyans in such a capacity. However, after soul-searching, extensive consultations, and consideration of the current political climate that threatens the realization of the government's economic transformation agenda, I have made the difficult decision to respectfully decline this appointment," Munyaka stated.

Millicent Omanga

In October 2024, former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga declined her appointment to the Nairobi Rivers Commission, citing personal reasons. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity but chose not to take up the role.

"I'm deeply honoured and grateful to William Ruto for the trust you've shown in appointing me to serve on the Nairobi Rivers Commission. However, after careful consideration, I must respectfully decline the appointment due to personal reasons," Omanga said in a statement posted on X.

Faith Odhiambo

The Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo in July 2024 turned down her appointment to the President's Taskforce on auditing public debt, citing a legal ruling that questioned the constitutionality of such a task force.

"The mandate to audit public debt rests with the office of the Auditor-General," LSK stated in its position, adding that the task force violated constitutional provisions, and thus, its members should not participate.

Justina Wamae

Justina Wamae, the Roots Party's 2022 presidential running mate, also declined an appointment to a health task force in July 2024. Wamae, who was appointed alongside 17 others, cited maternity leave as the primary reason for her decision.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I'm currently on maternity leave and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time," Wamae posted on X.