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• Fri Apr 18 2025

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stated he couldn't understand how "good" CSs like Ababu Namwamba were fired and Geoffrey Ruku and Hannah Cheptumo appointed

He appeared to criticise President William Ruto?s appointments of Ruku and Cheptumo, claiming they lack the qualities needed to serve as Cabinet secretaries

The senator cited Ruku?s alleged weak vetting performance and Cheptumo?s controversial remarks on women's murder cases in his argument

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has taken aim at President William Ruto?s latest Cabinet shake-up.

Boni Khalwale said he was puzzled by President William Ruto?s decision to appoint Ruku and Cheptumo as CSs. Photo: Boni Khalwale/William Ruto.

Source: Facebook

He voiced frustration over the appointment of former Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku to head the Public Service Ministry and Hannah Cheptumo as the new Gender Cabinet secretary.

Why did Khalwale question Ruku, Cheptumo appointments?

Speaking during Senate proceedings on Thursday, April 17, Khalwale questioned the competence of newly appointed Cabinet secretaries, suggesting they lack the credentials for such high-profile roles.

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Taking aim at Ruku and Cheptumo, Khalwale said Ruku "struggled" during his vetting for the Public Service docket, while Cheptumo, despite being a colleague, is "not minister material."

He further criticised Cheptumo over past remarks linking the deaths of women in short-stay apartments to their alleged pursuit of money, calling the comments inappropriate for a leader.

"I saw Ruku during his interview?he really struggled. Then they appointed another one, Cheptumo. You heard the incoming Gender Cabinet Secretary telling the whole country that young women are dying in short-stay apartments because they?re hungry for money," Khalwale said.

The senator also took issue with the sacking of former Sports Cabinet secretary Ababu Namwamba, saying he was instrumental in reviving Kenya's sports sector.

He praised him for lifting the FIFA ban on FKF, revitalising secondary school football, and launching the Talanta Sports Stadium project.

"Talanta Sports Stadium was Ababu Namwamba's brainchild, I wonder how the decision was made to remove Ababu, who was performing and then bring there people like Ruku," he added.

Did Khalwale accuse Ruto of taking Luhyas for granted?

Khalwale?s latest criticism of Ruto's appointments comes just days after he accused the head of state of sidelining the Luhya community.

Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale during a previous press briefing. Photo: Boni Khalwale.

Source: Facebook

Speaking at his rural home, Khalwale voiced concern over what he described as persistent neglect of Western Kenya, citing stalled infrastructure projects, shattered factories, and poor road networks as evidence of unmet promises.

He criticised a recent State House meeting for failing to address key development issues in the region, including hospital upgrades, job creation for youth, and investment in roads.

Khalwale called on the president to elevate the Kakamega Referral Hospital to national status, similar to Nyanza?s Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The senator further claimed that the community?s promised 30% government share had instead been handed to allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

He warned Ruto that continued disregard for the region could cost him politically, saying the Luhya vote should not be taken for granted.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke