List of Cabinet Secretaries who have reacted after Ruto fired them

On July 11, 2024, President Ruto took the country by surprise after he bowed down to the pressure of Gen Z who suggested that the cabinet should be dissolved.

Ruto said he made the decision after keenly listening to what the people were saying and after conducting an appraisal of his cabinet’s performance since his appointment.

The affected CSs reacted to the new development saying they are grateful to have served in Ruto’s first Cabinet.

Let's now delve in and see what different Cabinet secretaries had to say.

Peninah Malonza

Former Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza for EAC, ASALs & Regional Development reacted by thanking the President for giving her the opportunity to serve in the ministry and she said she will forever remain indebted to him.

"I thank His Excellency the President William Samoei Ruto for the trust he bestowed upon me to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife, Tourism and National Heritage and later the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi Arid Lands and Regional Development," she tweeted.

"It was a great honour to me and I shall for ever remain beholden to him and Kenyans at large for bestowing upon me the onerous duty of serving our great Nation in a most honorable responsibility."

Ababu Namwamba

Former Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Culture Ababu Namwamba also joined by thanking the President for entrusting him with the Ministry he was in saying it was an honor and privilege to serve the nation.

"It is a special honour, privilege and blessing to serve one's nation, more so in Cabinet, the country's highest policy making organ.

I thank His Excellency President @WilliamsRuto for the trust and confidence that informed my appointment to serve in Cabinet for the second time in my public service life.

God bless Kenya and grant the President grace and wisdom to navigate our country into safe harbour," He tweeted.

Kipchumba Murkomen

Kipchumba Murkomen who was in charge of Roads and Transport also said it was a great privilege and honor to serve the country.

"It has been my greatest privilege and honor to serve my country as a Cabinet Secretary in charge of Roads & Transport. Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity. God bless you and God bless Kenya," he tweeted.

Simon Chelugui  - Co-operatives and MSME

I would like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency President Dr William Ruto for showing great trust and faith in me and entrusting me with the job and responsibility to serve at the highest decision-making body of the Republic of Kenya as the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development.

Your Excellency, please receive my sincere gratitude and appreciation from the bottom of my heart. I also seize this moment to thank Kenyans and all stakeholders in the Co-operative( saccos, societies, housing, transport and investment) and MSME( Hustlers) sectors for the great support they gave me since I was appointed on October 27, 2022. I assure you of my prayers and highest regards.

Patriotism calls us to rally behind our President and Nation. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 God bless you and God bless Kenya.

Florence Bore - Labour and Social Protection

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve Kenyans. My gratitude and profound thanks to His Excellency The President Dr William Ruto for his mentorship and trust to serve our country as Cabinet Secretary of Labour and Social Protection. It has been a great honor to serve for God and for Country.

Former Defence CS Aden Duale

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President William Ruto for entrusting me with the role of Cabinet Secretary for Defence in the first Kenya Kwanza Administration. I am deeply honored and will forever be indebted to him and the people of Kenya for this opportunity to serve our great nation.

As the Quran says, “But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners” (Quran 8:30).

Former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha 

I am grateful to H.E. The President for giving me the opportunity to lead the rollout of Universal Health Coverage(UHC), which is one of the Government’s flagship programmes.

It has been a busy 21 months where we initiated far-reaching reforms in the health sector, both legislatively and policy-wise, to lay a firm foundation for the realisation of UHC. Proud of Ministry of Health team who midwifed these reforms, development partners and the legislature that passed the bills.

Thanks to the Health workers for the support and my heart goes out to Community Health Promoters who made our mantra "Afya Nyumbani". To those I didn't meet your expectations, I take it that life is a learning experience. Ahsanteni.

Alfred Mutua - Tourism and Wildlife

I sincerely thank His Excellency President William Ruto for the confidence he demonstrated by entrusting me with the role of Cabinet Secretary in his government. During my tenure, I have witnessed firsthand President Ruto's genuine commitment to the rapid transformation of our country.

His vision and dedication to progress are clear and unwavering. As a leader with considerable experience, I understand the necessity behind the President's decision to dismiss all members of his cabinet.

Such decisions, though difficult, are often imperative for the greater good. Thank you once again, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve you and the people of Kenya.

May the Almighty continue to guide you in the challenging task of revitalizing our nation. With your leadership, the future of Kenya looks promising.

Aisha Jumwa - Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage 

It was such an honour to serve as a Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage under the leadership of President William Ruto. I am glad that I got the chance to serve the people of our great nation. Thank you Mr.President and I wish you well.

Soipan Tuya - Environment and Forestry 

Anything that paves the way for the best interest of our Nation, at this point in time, is preeminent. I most sincerely thank H.E The President William Ruto for the privilege, honor and opportunity to serve my country at the helm of the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry docket, for the last 21 months. My heart is full of gratitude.