Nominated CSs express gratitude to President Ruto

Several Cabinet Secretaries nominees have thanked President William Ruto for choosing them to serve in his government.

Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Opiyo Wandayi, said he will be honoured to serve the country as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.

In a message posted on X, the Ugunja MP thanked President William Ruto for nominating him for the position on Wednesday.

“It will be a great honour and privilege to serve my country in this new capacity if I secure the approval of the National Assembly. My gratitude to Baba,” he stated.

Wandayi further thanked opposition leader Raila Odinga for his “enduring mentorship and tutelage.”

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who was among those fired and sent home by the President on July 11, 2024, also thanked the President for trusting him to serve again in his cabinet.

He was nominated to the Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management, previously headed by Moses Kuria.

From left: National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah in Washington DC, USA on May 22, 2024. (X/Opiyo Wandayi)

"I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to President William Ruto for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management. This nomination is a testament to your unwavering commitment to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of our public service,” Muturi said

He pledged to work diligently and collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure public service is responsive, transparent, and accountable.

Nominated MP John Mbadi, who was named Treasury CS nominee, expressed gratitude to the president, saying the gesture took him by surprise.

“The nomination has indeed come as a surprise. But above all, let me thank the Almighty God for the opportunity granted,” he said.

Former Mining CS Salim Mvurya has expressed his gratitude following his nomination as the Trade Cabinet Secretary.

“I take this early opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto for nominating me as Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. I sincerely appreciate this affirmation of trust and confidence,” he said.

Former Trade CS Rebecca Miano also thanked President Ruto for granting her another opportunity to serve as Tourism CS.

"I sincerely thank H.E. President Dr William Ruto for granting me a fresh lease in public service. I’m glad to have the honour, privilege, and opportunity to serve my fellow countrymen and women if Parliament approves, “ she said.

Miano was named last week in the first batch of Cabinet nominees released by the Head of State to serve as the Attorney General. However, in the list submitted to the National Assembly for vetting on Tuesday, her name was missing.

Tourism CS nominee Rebecca Miano at the Zetech University's Research and Innovation Week on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (Photo: Trade Ministry)

Alfred Mutua also made a comeback to the cabinet, having been nominated to the Labour docket. He was among those fired early this month, where he served as Tourism CS.

Expressing gratitude to President Ruto, Mutua said he was eager to work in his new position upon vetting.

"Upon vetting and clearance by Parliament, I am eager and determined to work with vigour and dedication for the people of Kenya, contributing to the nation’s development, wealth creation, and overall well-being," he said.

Former Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, after being nominated to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, apologised to Kenyans, and he also thanked Ruto for offering him a second chance.

"Honoured and grateful to have been nominated by H.E. President William Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports. Thank you, Mr. President, for this incredible opportunity to serve our great nation, Kenya. The last two weeks have been moments of deep reflection,” Murkomen appreciated.

"I would like to unreservedly apologise to every Kenyan who I may have offended through my words, my deeds, and my conduct, including my lifestyle, in the last two years of my public service," he further apologised.

Upon successful vetting by the committee in the National Assembly, Murkomen will take over the Sports docket from Ababu Namwamba.

The nominees now await their names to be forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting before they are formally appointed by the President to take over the dockets.