Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has been nominated as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat following her dismissal amid public protests. This appointment signals a new chapter for Nakhumicha, reflecting on her tumultuous tenure in the health sector and expressing hope for future opportunities.
Recently ousted Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has been nominated by President William Ruto as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat amid a cabinet reshuffle. This appointment comes only seven months after Grace Okara’s tenure in the position. The move represents a new beginning for Nakhumicha following a challenging period in her previous role.
President Ruto’s announcement is grounded in Article 132 (2) (e) of the Kenyan Constitution, indicating a formal restructuring of the diplomatic corps. Nakhumicha previously faced removal during a significant cabinet overhaul on July 11, 2024, following widespread public dissent and protests from young citizens against governmental policies. In that shake-up, only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remained unaffected.
In the aftermath of her dismissal, Nakhumicha expressed her struggles transitioning from a high-ranking official to a civilian life. She highlighted the emotional toll of such a shift: “You sleep as a CS, and when you wake up, you are not one; you sleep as a deputy president, and when you wake up, you are not one. We leave everything to God.”
Nakhumicha has limited her public appearances since leaving office. During a recent occurrence, she described her hopes for the future, stating, “God has been good to me, and I am expecting good things to come my way soon.” However, she also reflected on her tenure with regret, specifically regarding her inability to address persistent doctors’ strikes during her ministry as Health CS.
In summary, Susan Nakhumicha’s nomination as Kenya’s UN-Habitat envoy marks a significant transition following her dismissal from the Health Cabinet position. While her term was characterized by intense challenges and public scrutiny, her new role presents an opportunity for renewed contributions on the global stage. Nakhumicha’s reflections on her past experiences emphasize both the personal struggles of her career shifts and her optimistic outlook toward the future.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
