Junet Mohamed Blasts Ruto For ‘Recycling Leaders’ To KEY Positions
On Thursday, April 17, there was a fascinating debate in Parliament as Members battled over President William Ruto’s latest diplomatic nominations.
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed was particularly scathing of the President’s nominations, accusing the Head of State of ‘recycling failed politicians’ into plum positions.
Junet spoke at a parliamentary session to discuss the nominations of various individuals as ambassadors, permanent representatives, and consuls.
While opposing Ruto’s appointments, the Suna East MP noted that the government has a history of reappointing former government officials to various positions, a trend he alleges began with the Jubilee regime.
“We cannot be recycling people in office. Every politician who has failed is being dumped in a certain mission,” he said.
“This is demoralising for career civil servants who have dedicated their lives to growing through the system.”
I'm opposing this motion completely. And I'm asking the executive, please don't send like this one again. This should be the last one, even the other one when people we removed from offices and posted to diplomatic positions, I opposed it.
— Mzalendo (@MzalendoWatch) April 17, 2025
Why should you be discharged as a… https://t.co/mcTmOzP8A3 pic.twitter.com/5wjH8sgvi5
The Minority Leader noted that professional diplomats’ careers frequently stalled because top positions are routinely occupied by politically linked appointees.
“There are career civil servants who started their careers young, wanting to work and grow,” he added.
“When they get to deputy ambassador, they never rise because there are politicians waiting for those nominations.”
To address this, Junet proposed that every ten diplomatic appointments made by the Head of State include at least seven professional diplomats.
Susan Nakhumicha, former Health Cabinet Secretary, was one of the appointees condemned by Junet.
Nakhumicha’s appointment was confirmed in a Gazette notice on March 20, when President Ruto announced a number of changes in ambassadorial duties.
Peter Tum, former Sports Principal Secretary, has been nominated as Ambassador to Kinshasa, while Alfred Ombudo and Geoffrey Kaituko have been named Deputy Heads of Mission to Brussels and Rome.
Despite Junet’s strong opposition to Nakhumicha’s appointment, the former CS, whose term on the health docket was marked by controversy, received widespread support from other parliamentarians, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
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While praising Nakhumicha, the Kikuyu MP stated that her stint as Health CS was difficult since she inherited a faulty docket.
“She (Nakumicha) set a good foundation, and this enables her to serve as an ambassador,” Ichung’wah asserted.
“Many people may have varied opinions, but she did exceptionally well, especially because she was midwifing a transitioning NHIF as CS.”
Prior to her nomination, Nakhumicha stated that she was experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the cabinet change, causing Western leaders to encourage Ruto to assign her to a different job.
Junet Mohamed Blasts Ruto For ‘Recycling Leaders’ To KEY Positions
