NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Assembly has approved the nomination of Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo to President William Ruto’s Cabinet, clearing the final hurdle before their swearing-in.
Ruku is set to take over the Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes docket, while Wendot assumes the Gender Cabinet Secretary role.
Their appointments, part of a recent Cabinet reshuffle, were ratified following a report by the Committee on Appointments chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Wendot’s endorsement did not pass without turbulence. Her vetting triggered a heated debate in the House, with legislators across the political spectrum taking issue with comments she made linking femicide to young women “chasing after money.”
The remarks were made in response to a question on how she intends to combat gender-based violence. Wendot suggested that some university students, who have increasingly fallen victim to killings in short-stay apartments, may be targeted due to financial motives.
“They are educated, but those ones are looking for money… a girl has many needs,” she said.
The statement sparked strong criticism, with MPs arguing that such sentiments undermine the mandate of the very ministry she is meant to lead.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, while supporting Wendot’s qualifications pointed out that her remarks on femicide were unfortunate and she needed to apologize.
“As much as I agree with the Leader of Majority on the professionalism of Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, I still think the statement she made was unfortunate, completely politically incorrect, and she must apologize,” said Shollei.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo called for a more serious approach to appointments within the Gender Ministry, noting its history of instability.
“It is unfortunate that this Ministry has had three CSs rejected in a short time and has lacked a substantive Cabinet Secretary since July,” Odhiambo said.
“She is a competent lawyer, but when assigning someone such a sensitive role, we must be deliberate. She has apologized let her also learn.”
Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai defended Wendot, suggesting her comment may have been made under pressure during the vetting.
“Sitting on that hot seat is not easy. She will defend the girls and children we are talking about. I ask the House to have confidence in her,” said Nyamai.
However, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed stirred further controversy by suggesting the Gender Ministry might be better led by a man.
“If you asked me, the Minister for Gender should be a man because gender cuts across,” he said.
“A man would have ensured gender parity is properly mainstreamed. Women are given opportunities to address their matters, but they don’t take it seriously.”
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah acknowledged Wendot’s comments were ill-advised but noted that she had since issued an apology on social media.
Meanwhile, Geoffrey Ruku’s presence in the House also raised legal and procedural questions, with Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo challenging his participation in proceedings while still serving as a Member of Parliament.
“Article 152 is clear that a Cabinet Secretary shall not be a Member of Parliament. Hon. Ruku should not have come to the House,” said Amollo.
“His presence today raises questions about the separation of powers between Parliament and the Executive.”
However, Ichung’wah and Junet Mohamed cited a precedent by former Speaker Justin Muturi, which allows elected MPs to remain in office until formally sworn in as Cabinet Secretaries.
With parliamentary approval secured, Ruku and Wendot now await their official appointment and swearing-in.
