Susan Nakhumicha Nominated as Kenya’s UN Envoy Following Dismissal from Health Role
Susan Nakhumicha, recently dismissed as Health CS, has been nominated as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat by President William Ruto. This transition comes after her abrupt removal amid public protests against government policies. Nakhumicha expressed her challenges in adjusting to civilian life and reflected on regrets from her time in office, particularly related to unresolved doctors’ strikes.
The recent nomination of Susan Nakhumicha as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat marks a shift in her career following her dismissal as the Health Cabinet Secretary. President William Ruto made the appointment, substituting her in place of Grace Okara after a mere seven months in her diplomatic capacity. This reorganization reflects the government’s response to public dissent during the protests against its policies.
Nakhumicha was removed from her cabinet role on July 11, 2024, amidst a broader cabinet shake-up that left only a few officials untouched. The changes were largely seen as a reaction to the outcry from young Kenyans demanding governmental reforms. Subsequently, President Ruto restructured his administration, incorporating opposition figures while excluding Nakhumicha.
Post-dismissal, Nakhumicha expressed her difficulties transitioning back to civilian life. She poignantly articulated the disorienting experience of moving from a ministerial position to regular citizen status. In her appeal for support, she remarked, “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.”
Reflecting on her tenure, Nakhumicha shared her regrets surrounding the unresolved strikes by doctors during her time as Health CS, noting that these issues weighed heavily on her. Throughout this turbulent period, she managed to maintain a degree of discretion, avoiding public attention while looking forward to future opportunities. In her conversation with Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, she expressed optimism about upcoming prospects, stating that “God has been good to me, and I am expecting good things to come my way soon.”
In summary, Susan Nakhumicha’s transition from Health Cabinet Secretary to the Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat represents a significant change in her career, following her removal due to public pressure. While reflecting on her challenges during her tenure, she has maintained hope for recovery and future success. Her story underscores the volatility of political appointments and the resilience required in the face of rapid changes in circumstance.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
