Former ICT Cabinet Secretary (CS) Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has declined President William Ruto’s nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana citing personal and compelling family matters.
Ndung’u was scheduled to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations for vetting on Friday at 9 am, but instead sent a letter officially announcing her decision.
The letter was read out by the Committee’s chair, Nelson Koech, who noted that the Accra posting seems to be jinxed since Ndung’u is the second nominee to turn down the position after former West Mugirango MP Victor Mogaka Kemosi in April 2024.
“I would like to give my appreciation for the invitation to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence Intelligent and Foreign Relations on January 10, 2025, at the Parliament building in Nairobi,” Ndungu’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.”
Ndung’u added: “This has been occasioned by personal and compelling family matters which after taking into consideration will not allow me to take up the position of High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President William Ruto on November 19, 2024. To save the precious time of the important parliamentary business as per the provisions of the act I have forementioned, kindly take note that this letter serves as a notice not to appear. Thank you for your invitation and follow-up.”
Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u was nominated for the diplomatic role 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).
