Justina Wamae rejects Ruto's appointment

By Peter Ochieng

Justina Wamae has become the latest Kenyan to turn down President William Ruto's appointment offer.

The former Roots Party deputy presidential running mate was recently appointed by the Head of State to serve in the presidential taskforce on addressing human resources for the health sector.

Wamae's appointment was made under executive order number 5 of 2024, dated 5th July, 2024.

While declining the appointment, the former Roots Party leader, George Wajackoyah's running said she is currently on maternity leave, which may in the long run, affect her performance if she was to take up the opportunity at this particular point in time.

"Thank you Mr President William Samoei Ruto for recognising my strength, capacity, ability and subsequently appointing me to serve in the presidential taskforce on addressing human resources for health," she said.

"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."

Wamae becomes the second person in a matter of days to reject Ruto's appointment, after Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo turned down an offer to be a member of an independent taskforce that would audit the country's public debt.

In a statement by LSK Secretary Florence Muturi, LSK noted that the taskforce is unconstitutional since the mandate to conduct public audits rests with the office of the Auditor General.

"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 taskforce."

"The LSK, under its statutory mandate, advises the President to refrain from usurping the Constitutional powers of the Auditor-General through Executive Orders and allow the Auditor-General to perform her constitutional duties," LSK said. 

The President had appointed a team to audit the country's public debt and release a report within 90 days.

However, the formation of the taskforce has since been suspended, acting on a petition by two Kenyans.