Nairobi, Kenya- In a brisk ceremony marked by oaths, handshakes, and a subtle shift in Kenya’s administrative gears, President William Ruto on Thursday officially welcomed two new Cabinet Secretaries into the fold: Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo.
The swearing-in, held at State House Nairobi, wasn’t just about the ceremonial Bible. It symbolized a strategic pivot in the ministries of Public Service and Gender—two portfolios that have seen more turbulence than stability in recent months.
After the National Assembly unanimously approved both appointments on Wednesday, Ruto swiftly gazetted the duo, sealing their elevation to the Cabinet.
Attended the swearing-in of CSs Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, Ms. Hannah Wendot Cheptumo & 14 PSs at @StateHouseKenya, led by H.E. @WilliamsRuto, and graced by DP Prof. @KindikiKithure, members of the Executive and Parliamentary leadership.A reinvigorated Executive team is now in place
The endorsements came after intense vetting on Monday by the Committee on Appointments, which tabled its report on Tuesday.
- Geoffrey Ruku, now CS for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Projects, takes over from Justin Muturi, who was axed in the recent cabinet shake-up.
- Hanna Cheptumo steps into a long-vacant role at the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, succeeding Aisha Jumwa—dismissed during last July’s dramatic cabinet overhaul.
According to the vetting report, both candidates demonstrated deep knowledge of the technical, topical, and administrative aspects of their ministries. Translation? Parliament thinks they know what they’re doing.
I joined H.E President @WilliamsRuto &DP Prof. @KindikiKithure at @StateHouseKenya,Nairobi,for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries& Principal Secretaries. @gk_ruku @MyGovKe @koske_felix @EstherPassaris @Gideon_Kitheka @Kaikainaipaa @Mutahi__Kagwe
The Committee on Appointments’ report praised Ruku for showcasing a “clear understanding” of his docket’s dynamics. His past experience—combined with a technocratic pitch—appeared to strike the right tone with MPs.
Cheptumo, on the other hand, was recognized for her grasp of gender, culture, and the arts, in addition to her administrative know-how. Her vetting marked a long-awaited moment for a ministry that’s been flying on autopilot since last July.