NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has been dealt a blow after outgoing ICT Cabinet Secretary Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u declined her nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
Dr Ndung’u, who was dropped from President Ruto’s Cabinet in December 2024, has yet to hand over to her successor, former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, who is still awaiting vetting by Parliament.
The former CS, who had not served in her position for over a year, declined the plum government position, citing personal and compelling family matters.
Dr Ndung’u was due to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations for screening on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 9 am, but instead submitted a letter publicly declaring her choice.
What Dr Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u told a Parliamentary Committee
Nelson Koech, the chair of the Committee, read out the letter and said that Ndung’u is the second nominee to decline the Accra seat following former West Mugirango MP Victor Mogaka Kemosi in April 2024, suggesting that the position appears to be jinxed.
“I would like to give my appreciation for the invitation to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations on January 10, 2025, at the Parliament building in Nairobi,” Ndungu’s letter reads.
“Pursuant to Section 16 of the Public Appointment, Parliamentary Approval Act 3 of 2011, I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for the approval hearing.”
Ndung’u added: “This has been occasioned by personal and compelling family matters that, after considering, will not allow me to take up the position of High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President William Ruto on November 19, 2024. To save the precious time of the important parliamentary business as per the provisions of the act I have forementioned, kindly take note that this letter serves as a notice not to appear. Thank you for your invitation and follow-up.”
Ndung’u was nominated for the diplomatic role alongside Dr Andrew Karanja (Ambassador to Brazil), Ababu Namwamba (Permanent Representative to the UNEP office in Nairobi), and Noor Gabow (Consul General to Port-au-Prince).
Karanja, Namwamba, and Noor are all scheduled for vetting on Friday.
How President William Ruto is enhancing service delivery in his administration
President Ruto has been actively appointing individuals to his administration, including incorporating opposition members into his cabinet.
This strategy is perceived as an attempt to strengthen his hold on power while simultaneously attempting to improve government service performance.
President Ruto has decided to collaborate with his former rivals to foster national unity, “build bridges,” and promote “more synergy” within his administration.
As the year kicks off, the head of state has made new state appointments to improve service delivery in his ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) shortlisted 109 applications out of 2,517 to fill the coveted principal secretary (PS) jobs.
Prominent public individuals from various sectors are on the list, indicating intense competition for key positions.
