Susan Nakhumicha Returns: Former Health CS Lands UN Habitat Role in Ruto’s New Appointments

Former Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha Wafula has been given a fresh political lifeline after President William Ruto nominated her as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN-Habitat in Nairobi. This appointment marks her return to public service after months in political limbo.

Susan Nakhumicha Political Comeback

Nakhumicha was among the casualties of President Ruto’s Cabinet dissolution on July 11, 2024, following intense Gen Z-led anti-government protests. Unlike some of her former colleagues who were reinstated in the new Cabinet, she was left out and retreated to rural life, sharing glimpses of her farming activities on social media.

ALSO READ:

• Kenyan Woman Arrested After Cocaine Seizure at Mumbai Airport
• Soulja Boy Testifies in Sexual Assault Trial As TikTok Bid Emerges
• Manchester City Cruise to 2-0 Victory Over Leicester

However, in a circular released on Thursday, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed her nomination to the UN-Habitat role, signaling her return to government service.

Other Key Diplomatic Appointments

Nakhumicha’s appointment is part of a broader reshuffle by President Ruto, which saw several former government officials reassigned to diplomatic roles:

• Eng. Peter Tum – Former Sports Principal Secretary (PS) has been nominated as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• Alfred Ombudo K’Ombudo – Former Trade PS will now serve as Deputy Head of Mission in Belgium.
• Abdi Dubat Fidhow – Former East African Community (EAC) PS has been appointed as Consul-General in Arusha, Tanzania.
• James Buyekane Muhati – Former Economic Planning PS will take over as Consul-General in Guangzhou, China.
• Geoffrey Eyanae Kaituko – Former Maritime Affairs PS has been named Deputy Head of Mission in Rome, Italy.

A Strategic Move by Ruto?

The reshuffle appears to be a political balancing act aimed at rewarding loyalists while reinforcing Kenya’s diplomatic presence in key global regions. Nakhumicha’s appointment, in particular, suggests that Ruto still values her expertise despite her previous exclusion from the Cabinet.

With these changes, all eyes will be on how the newly appointed envoys represent Kenya’s interests on the international stage.