The Parliamentary Committee on Appointments has approved 19 Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominees for the upcoming government, while rejecting the nomination of Stella Lang’at for the position of Gender and Social Services Cabinet Secretary.

The committee’s decision was announced yesterday by the National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, after a thorough vetting process. The approved nominees are set to play key roles in shaping the new administration’s policies. 

However, the rejection of Stella Lang’at’s nomination was a surprising turn of events. Lang’at, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and social justice, had been widely anticipated to take on the role of Gender and Social Services CS. The committee’s decision was based on concerns over her past administrative performance and her proposed policy directions, which some members felt did not align with the current government’s priorities.

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In a statement, committee chairperson Michael Njoroge explained the decision. “While Stella Lang’at has made significant contributions to gender advocacy, there were concerns regarding her previous management of similar portfolios. We believe it is crucial to appoint someone whose vision aligns closely with the government’s current goals and objectives,”

Lang’at responded to the committee’s decision with disappointment but maintained a positive outlook. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have been considered for the role. While I am disappointed by the outcome, I remain committed to advocating for gender equality and social justice through other avenues,” Lang’at said in a press release.

The approval of the remaining 19 nominees paves the way for the government to proceed with its agenda. The new appointees are expected to face rigorous scrutiny as they step into their roles, with many tasked with addressing critical issues such as economic development, health, and education.

The Committee endorsed the following nominees for various Cabinet positions:

1. Kithure Kindiki – Interior
2. Debra Barasa – Health
3. Alice Wahome – Lands
4. Julius Migos – Education
5. Soipan Tuya – Defence
6. Andrew Karanja – Agriculture
7. Eric Mugaa – Water
8. Aden Duale – Environment
9. Davis Chirchir – Roads
10. Margaret Ndung’u – ICT
11. John Mbadi – Treasury
12. Salim Mvurya – Investments and Trade
13. Rebecca Miano – Tourism
14. Opiyo Wandayi – Energy
15. Kipchumba Murkomen – Sports
16. Hassan Joho – Mining
17. Alfred Mutua – Labour
18. Wycliffe Oparanya – MSMEs
19. Justin Muturi – Public Service

Rejected Nominee
1. Stella Soi Lang’at – Gender and Social Services

President Ruto highlighted that the new Cabinet is designed to foster a more inclusive government. Notably, several of the newly appointed ministers were drawn from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, a strategy analysts suggest is aimed at weakening opposition influence in the country.

This Cabinet reshuffle follows President Ruto’s dismissal of all previous Cabinet Secretaries, marking a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape as the new administration prepares for its term.