Former ICT Cabinet Secretary, Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has turned down President William Ruto’s nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, citing personal and urgent family matters.
Ms Ndung’u was scheduled to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations for vetting today (Friday) at 9 a.m., but sent a letter officially announcing her decision instead.
The letter was read by the Committee’s chair, Nelson Koech, who highlighted that the Accra posting seems to be troublesome, as Ndung’u becomes the second nominee to reject the position after former West Mugirango MP Victor Mogaka Kemosi in April 2024.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations on January 10, 2025, at the Parliament building in Nairobi,” Ndung’u’s letter reads.
“Pursuant to Section 16 of the Public Appointment, Parliamentary Approval Act 3 of 2011, I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for the approval hearing.”
The former ICT CS added: “This decision has been made due to personal and urgent family matters, which, after thorough consideration, prevent me from assuming the role of High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President William Ruto on November 19, 2024. To ensure the efficient conduct of parliamentary business in line with the act I have mentioned, please take note that this letter serves as a formal notice of my absence. Thank you for your understanding and follow-up.”
Ms Ndung’u was nominated for the diplomatic position alongside Dr. Andrew Karanja (Ambassador to Brazil), Ababu Namwamba (Permanent Representative to the UNEP office in Nairobi), and Noor Gabow (Consul-General to Port-au-Prince).
Mr Karanja, Mr Namwamba, and Mr Noor are all scheduled for vetting on Friday.