In Kenya's dynamic political landscape, appointments to high-profile government positions are often viewed as prestigious opportunities for public service and influence. However, not everyone accepts such roles when offered, even when they come directly from the President.
Since his inauguration, President William Ruto has made numerous appointments to key positions, aiming to shape his administration and advance his agenda. Surprisingly, a handful of Kenyans have declined these appointments, citing various reasons.
Here are some notable individuals who turned down roles under President Ruto's government:
Margaret Nyambura
The former ICT Cabinet Secretary in January 2025 declined President Ruto's nomination to serve as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
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Nyambura was scheduled to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. for her vetting but failed to show up.
The former CS had sent a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge informing of her decision to decline Ruto's offer.
"I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for the approval hearing. This has been compelled by my personal and family matters which matters taking into consideration would not allow me to take up the position as the High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President William Ruto," the letter read.
Vincent Kemosi
In April 2024, Vincent Kemosi, former West Mugirango Member of Parliament, declined his nomination to be Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
The President had nominated Kemosi and forwarded his name to the National Assembly for vetting, but the former legislator declined the nomination citing family reasons.
"I want to give my appreciation for the invitation to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations on 9th April 2024 at Parliament buildings pursuant to Section 10 of the Public Appointments Parliament Approval Act no.33 of 2011.
"I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said Committee at the time and venue specified for the approval. This has been occasioned by my personal and compelling family matters which after taking into consideration do not allow me to take up the position as the High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by His Excellency the President on March 9, 2024,” the former MP said in a letter to the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations.
Victor Munyaka
In October 2024, former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka rejected his appointment to serve as chairman of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre (KAGRC).
In a notice published in the Kenya Gazette on Friday, October 4, President Ruto appointed Munyaka to oversee the state agency for a term of three years.
However, Munyaka declined the appointment citing the political happenings in the country at that time.
"I thank the Head of State for offering me the opportunity to serve Kenyans in such a capacity. However, after soul-searching, extensive consultations, and consideration of the current political climate that threatens the realization of the government's economic transformation agenda, I have made the difficult decision to respectfully decline this appointment," Munyaka said.
Millicent Omanga
In October 2024, the president appointed former Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission for a period of three years.
However, the former senator in a statement on X, declined the appointment citing personal reasons. Omanga, however, noted that she supports efforts to restore rivers in Nairobi.
"I’m deeply honored and grateful to William Ruto for the trust you’ve shown in appointing me to serve on the Nairobi Rivers Commission. It’s truly a privilege to be considered for such a vital role in improving our beloved Nairobi’s environment and public health.
"After careful consideration, I must respectfully decline the appointment due to personal reasons. I remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at restoring Nairobi’s rivers & stand ready to contribute in any capacity that aligns with my current commitments. Thank you once again for this honor and for the consideration," she said.
Faith Odhiambo
In July 2024, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo turned down her appointment as a member of the President's Taskforce charged with auditing the public debt.
Her rejection was communicated via a statement by LSK which termed Ruto's move to constitute the team as unconstitutional.
LSK cited a court ruling in which the Auditor General was specified to undertake an audit of the Trans Nzoia county government.
"We take note of the recent High Court decision underscoring the Auditor-General's role in public audit matters in Ondago v Natembeya and 15 others [2023] KEHC 22268 (19 September 2023) (Judgment) where the High Court while nullifying a Taskforce created to audit County Government debts, asserted that the Governor could request the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit," LSK said.
"It is our considered view that the establishment of the task force is unconstitutional. The mandate to audit public debt rests with the office of the Auditor-General," it added.
In view of the above, the LSK council chaired by Odhiambo, resolved not to have its president nor any of its members take up appointments or participate in the said taskforce.
Justina Wamae
In July 2024, Roots Party 2022 presidential running mate Justina Wamae declined an appointment to a health taskforce by the president.
Wamae had been appointed alongside 17 other members to a taskforce that was to look into issues affecting Kenya's health sector, but she turned down the appointment citing maternity leave.
"Thank you, Mr. President, William Samoei Ruto for recognizing my strength, capacity, ability, and subsequently appointing me to serve in the presidential task force on addressing human resources for health vide Gazette notice no 8437 Executive Order no 5 of 2024 dated 5th July 2024. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I'm currently on maternity leave and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time," she posted on X.
