Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha. Photo/X
By Wanderi Kamau
Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has expressed her gratitude to President William Ruto for appointing her as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, March 21, 2025, Nakhumicha quoted lyrics from a Swahili gospel song to convey her appreciation:
“Moyoni mwangu, nisiposema neno ahsante, nisipokiri wema wa Mungu, ulimi wangu ugandamane na kaa kaa la kinywa changu mimi… St. Martins Catholic Church Choir Usenge. Ahsante Rais.”
Her appointment marks a significant political comeback following her unceremonious exit from the Cabinet in 2024, a departure she attributed to pressure from the Gen Z-led protests that swept across the country last year.
A plea for a second chance
Nakhumicha had openly pleaded with the president for another opportunity to serve in government after her dismissal. Speaking at a public forum earlier this year, she lamented how the youth-led uprising had cost her the Cabinet post, despite her efforts in the health sector.
“The young people of this country had their grievances, and unfortunately, I became a casualty. But I still believe in serving my country, and I am ready for any role the president sees fit,” she said at the time.
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Her appeal did not go unheard. Ruto, who has been keen on reassigning some of his former allies, nominated her to the UN-Habitat role, an influential position that will see her represent Kenya in urban development and human settlement discussions on the global stage.
Mixed reactions to the appointment
While some of her supporters congratulated her, others saw the appointment as a political consolation prize rather than a strategic move. Political analyst Dr. Eric Kibet noted that the role, though significant, keeps Nakhumicha within diplomatic circles but away from the core policymaking functions she previously held.
“This is a soft landing for Nakhumicha, a way to keep her in government while also managing political expectations,” Kibet said.
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Despite the mixed reactions, Nakhumicha remains optimistic about her new role.
“I will serve with dedication and represent Kenya with honor. Urban development and sustainability are key global issues, and I look forward to contributing to meaningful solutions,” she said in a follow-up statement.
Her new journey at UN-Habitat begins amid high expectations, both from her supporters and critics.
