Soi Lang’at’s nomination as Gender Cabinet Secretary was rejected.
The committee approved 19 other Cabinet Secretary nominees.
President Ruto may need to nominate a new candidate for the Gender Ministry.
The National Assembly Committee on Appointments has rejected the nomination of Soi Lang’at as the Gender Cabinet Secretary.
This decision was announced in a report presented to Parliament by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah on Wednesday, highlighting that Lang’at was the only nominee not approved among a batch of 20 candidates.
“The Committee rejects the appointment of Ms. Stella Soi Lang’at,” Ichung’wah stated. Soi Lang’at was part of the first group of Cabinet Secretary nominees vetted last Thursday.
In contrast, the committee approved the nominations of 19 other candidates, including Aden Duale for Environment, Kithure Kindiki for Interior, Alice Wahome for Lands, Alfred Mutua for Labour, Salim Mvurya for Trade, 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.
Additionally, 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 received approval.
The vetting process, which took place from August 1 to August 4, 2024, occurred amidst a strong push by Kenyans to ensure that only leaders of integrity join the Cabinet.
This push was part of a larger movement led by Gen Z and millennials, which resulted in President William Ruto dissolving the previous Cabinet and dismissing 11 former Cabinet Secretaries following sustained protests demanding comprehensive reforms.
If the plenary adopts the committee’s report, President Ruto will be required to nominate a new candidate for the Gender Ministry.
The new nominee will also need to undergo vetting and approval by the Committee on Appointments.