Cabinet Secretaries have reacted to President William Ruto's decision to dissolve the Cabinet, expressing gratitude and reflecting on their service.
In a national address on Thursday, July 11, Ruto justified his decision, citing ongoing protests against high taxes and governance issues.
He confirmed the dismissal of all Cabinet ministers and the Attorney-General, delegating ministries to their respective principal secretaries to streamline governance.
"In response to public concerns and after a thorough review of my Cabinet's performance, I have decided to dismiss all CSs and the AG, except for the PCS and CS for Foreign Affairs," said Ruto, pledging consultations to form a new, inclusive administration.
The immediate former Cabinet Secretaries took to social media to share their sentiments.
Kipchumba Murkomen, who served as Transport Secretary, expressed his privilege and honour in serving, thanking the President for the opportunity, saying; "It has been my greatest privilege and honour to serve my country in charge of Roads and Transport. Thank you, Mr President, for giving me the opportunity. God bless you and God bless Kenya."
Eliud Owalo, the former ICT Secretary, wrote: "I thank President William Ruto for granting me this opportunity to serve my country," he said.
Aisha Jumwa, who was the Gender Cabinet Secretary, reflected on her tenure with pride. She said, "It was such an honour to serve under President William Ruto. I am glad I got the chance to serve the people."
Alfred Mutua, the former Tourism Secretary, appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the country's betterment. "Serving under President Ruto has been a profound honour to contribute to our nation's betterment," said Mutua.
Soipan Tuya, who served as Environment Secretary, also thanked Ruto for the privilege to serve the country.
Aden Duale, the former Defence Secretary, extended his heartfelt appreciation to President Ruto and the nation for the opportunity to serve.
Susan Nakhumicha, the former Health Secretary, reflected on her tenure, particularly her leadership in the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
She acknowledged the support from the Ministry of Health team, development partners, and the legislature. "I am grateful to the President for allowing me to lead the rollout of UHC, 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,” she noted.
“I am proud of the Ministry of Health team who mid-wife these reforms, development partners, and the legislature that passed the bills. Thanks to the health workers for their 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."
Mithika Linturi noted his gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in him by President Ruto. He expressed his appreciation for leading the Agriculture and Livestock Development sector, describing the experience as both a privilege and humbling.
"I’m profoundly thankful to President Ruto for the trust and confidence he placed in me by appointing me as the CS for Agriculture and Livestock Development. Your decision to entrust me with this significant responsibility is both a privilege and a humbling experience," he said.
Ezekiel Machogu, former Education Secretary, reflected on his nearly 20 months in office, describing the experience as fulfilling and enriching. He thanked Ruto for the honour and acknowledged the major milestones achieved in the Education sector.
Machogu said, "For nearly 20 months, I have had a fulfilling and highly enriching experience serving as Cabinet Secretary of one of Kenya’s most important sectors - Education. I wish to thank H.E. the President for trusting me with this honour, and I owe it to him for all the major milestones we achieved within such a short time as we provided education to our gallant children."
Florence Bore, who served as Labour Secretary, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve Kenyans and thanked President Ruto for his mentorship and trust.
"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve Kenyans. My gratitude and profound thanks to President Ruto for his mentorship and trust to serve our country as Cabinet Secretary of Labour and Social Protection. It has been a great honour to serve God and country," she said.
Ruto's cabinet now makes history as the shortest-serving cabinet members.
