New Cabinet Pick Snubs Governor Wavinya's Appointment

Mrs. Rose Kamene Mwanthi Gichuki, Family Bank’s Head of Women Banking, declined to take up the post of Water, Irrigation, Environment, and Climate Change Minister despite receiving the approval of the Machakos County Assembly four weeks ago. Her approval was granted on September 3, 2024, along with that of Juliana Ndunge Mutisya, who was sworn in yesterday as Secretary of the County Public Service Board.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Wavinya made no mention of Ms. Gichuki, even though it was widely expected that she would take the Oath of Office to assume one of the most coveted posts in county government. Gichuki is the second successive nominee this year to decline the position, leaving Catherine Mutanu, the substantive Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, to continue acting as minister. The first nominee to decline the post was Elizabeth Katile Mutua, who failed to appear before the assembly’s vetting committee. Katile’s withdrawal was announced on the floor of the Machakos County Assembly by Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka.

At that time, Mr. Nzioka submitted the names of three other nominees approved by the assembly, omitting Katile’s name. Assembly sources say Katile, who had been invited to appear before the Assembly’s Appointments Committee, failed to return her papers ahead of the vetting date set for June 10, 2024.

The reasons for Gichuki’s decision are unknown. However, The Anchor has been informed that she declined after family consultations. She posted the following message in a WhatsApp group:

“Dear family and friends,
I hope this message finds you well.
After careful consideration and extensive discussions, I have decided not to proceed with my appointment as CEC (Waziri) in Machakos County. This decision is based on personal reasons and reflects what I believe is best for me at this time.
I appreciate your support and understanding throughout this process.
Warm regards,
Kamene Mwanthi.”

Observers suspect that Gichuki followed in Katile’s footsteps and became apprehensive after witnessing the alarming turnover in Wavinya’s cabinet, where there has been considerable bloodletting in the 23-month-old administration. Four ministers have exited so far: Mr. Sky Muasya, the former Education Minister, resigned; he was followed by Lands (and later Agriculture) Minister Mr. Philip Kilonzo, who was fired for referring to Wavinya as a one-term governor; Joyce Mwikali Muindi of the Devolved Units docket also quit after being excluded from a cabinet reshuffle; and the ebullient former Health Minister Daniel Yumbya, who resigned abruptly in September.