Ruto CSs Who Hit Headlines in 2024 and Their Coverage

In the wake of public uproar over alleged incompetency within President William Ruto’s administration, several cabinet secretaries were this year placed on the spot over what most Kenyans termed as poor performance.

The persistent call by Kenyans for the overhaul of the Cabinet saw the Head of State dismiss nearly all cabinet secretaries except Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who doubles up as foreign affairs CS.

At Kenyans.co.ke, we take a look at some of the CSs appointed by President Ruto but who made the headlines in 2024.

Mithika Linturi

Despite having been dismissed alongside other CSs from the Cabinet in July this year, no CS made headlines this year more than Linturi.

In April, the former Agriculture CS came under fire over the procurement of Ksh209 million fake fertiliser which turned out to be one of the greatest scandals that hit Ruto’s administration.

Linturi was criticised after farmers received soil conditioners disguised as fertilisers, with some receiving sand in the form of farm inputs, sparking uproar among Kenyans.

In May, a special motion was fronted by Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka who demanded the dismissal of Linturi over alleged incompetence. However, the calls for his ouster were watered down after he was summoned by the National Assembly.

Kipchumba Murkomen

The Sports Cabinet Secretary and one of President Ruto’s close allies recently faced criticism over alleged arrogance and excessive opulence.

While serving as transport CS, Murkomen was criticised for showing off his luxurious possessions including a Ksh900,000 watch, shoes worth Ksh80,000, a belt costing Ksh40,000, and a tie worth Ksh20,000.

The disapproval followed a video showing the CS dressed in expensive attire that attracted public scrutiny. Nonetheless, the CS came out to rubbish the allegations, stating that owning luxury items did not necessitate corruption.

Susan Nakhumicha

The former Heath CS’s name also emerged among the cabinet members who hit the headlines this year. 

Nakhumicha served as the Health CS for nineteen months, from October 2022 to July 2024. However, her track record hit a low in March this year when doctors staged a nationwide protest.

Nakhumicha found herself at a crossroads with the doctors after the government failed to heed the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) signed in 2017. 

The doctors’ strike would later go into history as one of the longest demonstrations by workers in the country with the health workers striking for over two months.

However, in July, Nakumicha was relieved of her duties in the aftermath of nationwide demonstrations that forced President Ruto to make changes in government.

Kithure Kindiki 

Kindiki, the country’s third deputy president was in June and July on the receiving end following the nationwide protests that saw several Kenyans lose their lives.

At the time, Kindiki served as the Interior Cabinet Secretary, with many accusing him of allegedly allowing the brutal killing of anti-Finance Bill 2024 protesters outside the parliament buildings.

However, while appearing before a vetting committee of the National Assembly in August, Kindiki dismissed the allegations stating that police intervention was significant as the protests were designed to overthrow President Ruto’s administration.