NAIROBI — President William Ruto on Thursday presided over the swearing-in of two new Cabinet Secretaries, ushering in fresh leadership in key government portfolios following weeks of political reshuffling.
Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Cheptumo officially took office at State House, Nairobi, after their appointments sailed through Parliament with unanimous approval.
Ruku now heads the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Projects, replacing Justin Muturi, who was dismissed earlier this year. Cheptumo takes over the long-vacant Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage docket, filling a role left open since the Cabinet purge of July 2024.
In brief remarks following the ceremony, President Ruto reminded the new secretaries of the weight of public service.
“You carry the hopes of millions. This is a duty that demands not just competence but integrity and fairness,” he said.
The two officials took their oaths in a ceremony closed to the public but attended by top government officials and close allies. It marked the final step in a process that began with their nomination and vetting by the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments earlier this week.
Ruku, the MP for Mbeere North until his appointment, was praised by the vetting committee for his grasp of policy matters tied to the public service docket.
“He demonstrated a clear understanding of both the technical and administrative aspects of his ministry,” read the committee’s report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday.
Cheptumo, who previously served as chair of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, was likewise endorsed for her experience and familiarity with the gender portfolio.
“She showed knowledge of key issues facing the ministry and a commitment to advance cultural and heritage programmes alongside gender equity,” the report stated.
Cheptumo steps into a ministry that has lacked steady leadership since Aisha Jumwa was dismissed last year. Her role will involve navigating sensitive gender policy issues, including rights advocacy, domestic violence legislation, and national cultural initiatives.
Ruku, meanwhile, takes over at a time of rising public concern over government employment policies and youth unemployment.
Both new CSs kept their remarks brief on Thursday, pledging to serve with integrity and deliver on their mandates.
“I am ready to serve the people of Kenya with commitment and transparency,” Ruku said shortly after being sworn in.
Cheptumo added, “This is a responsibility I take seriously. I will work to ensure that all Kenyans, especially women and marginalised groups, are heard and supported.”
Their appointments mark the latest in a series of changes within President Ruto’s Cabinet, following last year’s controversial decision to dismiss the entire executive team in a bid to reset his administration.
While the new Cabinet is slowly taking shape, pressure is growing on the President to fill remaining vacancies and clarify the government’s broader direction.
For now, with Ruku and Cheptumo formally in office, the spotlight turns to performance—and whether the new appointees can meet the high expectations now placed on their shoulders.
