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The National Assembly Committee on Appointments has decided to reject the nomination of Soi Lang’at for the position of Gender Cabinet Secretary.
This decision was announced in a report tabled by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah on Wednesday, following a thorough vetting process of the first batch of 20 Cabinet Secretary nominees.
In his report, Ichung’wah clearly stated,
“The Committee rejects the appointment of Ms. Stella Soi Lang’at.” This rejection came as a notable exception among the other nominees who were all approved. The vetting, conducted from August 1 to August 4, 2024, saw the successful confirmation of several key figures. Among those approved were Aden Duale for Environment, Kithure Kindiki for Interior, Alice Wahome for Lands, Alfred Mutua for Labour, and Salim Mvurya for Trade. Other nominees who passed include Justin Muturi for Public Service, Soipan Tuya for Defence, Kipchumba Murkomen for Sports, Davis Chirchir for Roads and Transport, Rebecca Miano for Wildlife and Tourism, Debra Mulongo Barasa for Health, and Julius Migosi Ogamba for Education.
Additional successful nominees include Andrew Mwihia Karanja for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Eric Muriithi Muuga for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u for Information, Communication and Digital Economy, John Mbadi for National Treasury, Opiyo Wandayi for Energy, Hassan Joho for Mining, and Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives.
The vetting process, which lasted for four days, was conducted against the backdrop of widespread public demand for greater integrity and reform in the Cabinet. This wave of scrutiny was a response to persistent protests that called for a significant overhaul of President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
These protests, driven primarily by Generation Z and millennials, criticized the previous Cabinet’s performance and integrity, ultimately leading to President Ruto’s decision to dismiss 11 of his former Cabinet Secretaries.
The rejection of Soi Lang’at’s nomination highlights the rigorous standards applied by the Committee on Appointments and reflects the broader public sentiment for accountability and transparency in government appointments. Should the plenary adopt the report as it stands, President Ruto will need to nominate a new candidate for the Gender Ministry.
The fresh nominee will undergo the same vetting process conducted by the Committee on Appointments before being confirmed.
This development underscores the dynamic nature of political appointments and the critical role of public and institutional scrutiny in shaping leadership within the Cabinet.
As the vetting process continues, it remains to be seen how the new nominations will align with the expectations of the Kenyan populace and address the call for more effective and ethical governance.
