A job offer from the President is among the most scarce opportunities one can get in a lifetime.
While many Kenyans would be delighted and accept such an offer, some Kenyans in 2024 turned down job opportunities accorded to them by President William Ruto.
Here is the list:
LSK President Faith Odhiambo
The Law Society of Kenya and its President Faith Odhiambo declined an appointment to the Public Debt Task Force formed by President Ruto.
LSK CEO and Secretary Florence Muturi said the society believes the task force is unconstitutional adding that its members would not take up any role in it.
LSK argued that the mandate to audit public debt rests with the office of the Auditor-General.
"Taking cognisance of the provisions of Article 229 of the constitution and the interpretation of the said provisions by the court, it is our considered view that the establishment of the task force is unconstitutional," LSK said in a statement dated July 5 and signed by Muturi.
"The Council of the Law Society of Kenya has thus resolved that neither our president nor any of our members shall take up appointments or participate in the said task force."
Former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi
Kemosi turned down a job offer to be Kenya's High Commissioner to Ghana.
The nomination by the President was made on March 9, 2024.
Kemosi, however, chose not to proceed with the appointment due to personal and family reasons.
He conveyed his decision through a letter addressed to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations.
“I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the committee at the time and the various specified for the approval hearing,” he said.
“This has been occasioned by my personal and compelling family matters, which after taking into consideration don’t allow me to take the position of the High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by the Excellency the President on March 9, 2024.”
In 2023, Kemosi was appointed as the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Investments.
However, a High Court ruling deemed the position unconstitutional, nullifying the appointment of 50 CASs by President Ruto.
Justina Wamae
Former Roots party presidential running mate Justina Wamae also received a job offer from President Ruto, where she was appointed to the task force to audit health resources.
Ruto had gazetted a 20-member Human Resources for Health (HRH) taskforce to audit health resources.
The President said the task force was necessitated by the need to formulate comprehensive strategies and policies to enhance the healthcare workforce.
She, however, turned down the appointment, saying she was not in a position to serve the country.
She added that she was on maternity leave and will not be able to deliver effectively.
"Thank you Mr President William Samoei Ruto, for recognising my strength, capacity and ability and subsequently appointing me to serve in the Presidential Taskforce on addressing Human Resources for Health via Gazette Notice No. 8437 Executive Order No. 5 of 2024 dated July 5, 2024," she said on X.
"However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I'm currently on maternity leave and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time."
Former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka
Former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka declined a job offer from the President to be the chairperson of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre.
In a statement on October 6, 2024, Munyaka cited the current political climate as the reason for his decision.
"I have learnt of my appointment by His Excellency, President William Ruto as the chairman of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre through a Kenya Gazette notice dated October 3, 2024. I thank the Head of State for offering me the opportunity to serve Kenyans in such a capacity,” Munyaka said.
“However, after soul-searching, extensive consultations and in consideration of the current political climate that threatens the realization of the government’s economic transformation agenda, I have made the difficult decision to respectfully decline this appointment. Thank you again for considering me for this position. I wish you and your administration success in leading our country.”
Ex-nominated Senator Millicent Omanga
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga rejected President William Ruto's appointment to serve in the board of the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
In a statement posted on her X account on October 26, Omanga expressed gratitude for being considered for the role.
"I’m deeply honoured and grateful to William Ruto for the trust you’ve shown in appointing me to serve on the Nairobi Rivers Commission. It’s truly a privilege to be considered for such a vital role in improving our beloved Nairobi’s environment and public health," Omanga said.
"After careful consideration, I must respectfully decline the appointment for personal reasons. I remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at restoring Nairobi’s rivers and stand ready to contribute in any capacity that aligns with my current commitments. Thank you once again for this honour and for the consideration.”
