Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has expressed her appreciation to President William Ruto following her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi.
In a message shared on X, Nakhumicha conveyed her gratitude through lyrics from a song by St. Martins Catholic Church Choir Usenge. She emphasized her thankfulness for the appointment, acknowledging the President’s decision to entrust her with a new role in government.
“Moyoni mwangu, nisiposema neno ahsante, nisipokiri wema wa mungu, ulimi wangu ugandamane na kaa kaa la kinywa changu mimi…………….St. Martins Catholic Church Choir Usenge. Ahsante Rais!” Nakhumicha expressed.
Her nomination was officially announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei in a circular released on Thursday, March 21, 2025. This marks a return to public service for Nakhumicha, who lost her position as Health CS when President Ruto dissolved his Cabinet on July 11, 2024.
The dissolution came in response to prolonged anti-government protests led by Gen Z activists, which prompted a major government shake-up.
The former minister’s appointment follows calls from Kiminini MP Maurice Kakai, who had urged President Ruto to consider Nakhumicha for another government role.
Speaking during former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati’s funeral at his Sabata home in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Kakai praised her competence and dedication to improving Kenya’s health sector.
He also highlighted the recognition of her contributions, noting that many citizens and leaders appreciated her efforts.
“I am the people’s representative of Kiminini, my siter Susan Nakhumicha did a great job. Mama Mary has said how competent she was, remember her in future appointments ata ukiendelea kupangapanga,” Kakai said.
Selling cabbages
Speaking during Chebukati’s funeral, Nakhumicha recounted the moment she learned about her removal from office. She revealed that she was at home watching television when the announcement was made, catching her completely off guard. Her dismissal, she noted, was met with widespread public celebration.
“Nilikuwa waziri wa afya hii mitandao ikakuja, wakasema ma Gen Z wanaanguka na watu, wakaanguka na mimi,” she said.
Adding;
“Bishop amehubiri hapa akasema wakati wa Rais Moi ilikuwa matangazo kwa redio hii nayo yetu haikuwa ya redio. Ilikuwa kwa TV unangojea, nikaskia cabinet yote iende nyumbani, nikaona watu wamefurahi kila mahali.”
Nakhumicha shared that she had since turned to farming in her home area of Cherenganyi. She expressed her reliance on faith during this transition, emphasizing that she has embraced agriculture as her new occupation, focusing on growing and selling cabbages.
“Tangu siku hiyo mimi nimemtazamia Mungu, hata sasa mimi nafanya ukulima, sina kazi. Napanda na kuuza cabbage huko Cherenganyi.”
