Susan Nakhumicha has spoken about her life after being dismissed from the Cabinet by President William Ruto in June 2024.
Nakhumicha was among the ministers who were sacked when Ruto dissolved his entire Cabinet—except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi—in what he termed an effort to create a government with national cohesion.
The decision came amid massive protests led by Gen Z youth, who were demanding major government reforms following the passage of the Finance Bill 2024, which was later revoked.
The demonstrations, held nationwide, put immense pressure on the government, with protesters calling for greater accountability from the national leadership.
Speaking on Friday, March 7, in Kitale during a memorial service for former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, Nakhumicha described how she learned about her dismissal.
“I was the Health Cabinet Secretary, then social media erupted, saying Gen Z was bringing down people—and they brought me down too,” Nakhumicha joked.
She revealed that she received no prior notice about her removal and only found out through live television broadcasts.
“The bishop preached here, saying that during President Moi’s era, announcements were made via radio. But for us, it wasn’t radio—it was on TV. When I watched, I heard that the entire Cabinet had been dismissed, and I saw people celebrating everywhere,” she added with a smile.
Nakhumicha, who was appointed as Health CS in 2022, was one of the government officials facing public backlash, with opposition leaders and activists accusing her of failing to manage the health sector effectively.
President Ruto’s decision to dissolve his government was driven by widespread public dissatisfaction with his ministers’ performance.
The Gen Z protests intensified demands for accountability and transparency in government.
In his June 2024 speech, President Ruto stated that disbanding the Cabinet aimed to enhance accountability, efficiency, and transparency in service delivery.
He also stated that the new government would reflect national unity, incorporating leaders from various political factions.
Following the Cabinet dissolution, Ruto appointed new ministers, with some fresh faces coming from Raila Odinga’s ODM party, signaling an attempt to form a coalition government.
This move sparked heated political debates, with some Kenya Kwanza supporters criticizing Ruto for giving the opposition too many government positions.
After leaving government, Nakhumicha says she has now ventured into farming, focusing on cabbage planting and sales in Cheranganyi.
“Since that day, I have looked up to God. Now I am farming, I have no job—I plant and sell cabbages in Cheranganyi,” she added.
Despite losing her government position, Nakhumicha says she is moving forward with her life as a farmer, while considering her political future.
by GEOFFREY MBUTHIA
