Why Ruto Dropped Chris Wamalwa From Cabinet: Wetangula Finally Explains What Happened

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has finally shed light on a long-standing political question that has puzzled many Kenyans—why former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa was left out of President William Ruto’s Cabinet, despite being fronted by Ford Kenya.

Speaking during an interview with Luhya vernacular radio stations on Thursday, January 22, 2026, Wetang’ula revealed that Wamalwa was the only name submitted by Ford Kenya as part of its coalition agreement with the Kenya Kwanza government.

At the time, Chris Wamalwa was serving as Ford Kenya’s Secretary-General, making him a natural choice for Cabinet consideration.

However, according to Wetang’ula, the nomination hit an unexpected roadblock.

“Chris Wamalwa was the only name we submitted after the elections,” Wetang’ula explained. “But the appointing authority returned the name and told us, ‘I have no space for a man. Give me a woman.’”

The Speaker said President Ruto’s decision was influenced by gender balance considerations within the Cabinet, forcing the party to rethink its nomination.

Following the directive, Ford Kenya settled on Susan Nakhumicha, who had earlier lost the Trans Nzoia Woman Representative seat.