5 prominent figures who rejected lucrative job offers in Ruto’s govt
By Paulette Mboga, August 15, 2025Since taking office in September 2022, President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration has moved swiftly to fill numerous positions in government ministries, state corporations, and diplomatic missions.
While many appointees have embraced the opportunity to serve, several high-profile figures have surprised the public by declining presidential nominations. From human rights leadership to diplomatic postings, these rejections have sparked discussions on the reasons behind them.
Duncan Ojwang’
In one of the most recent cases, Duncan Ojwang’, President Ruto’s nominee for Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), turned down the appointment just days after his name was submitted to the National Assembly for vetting.
Ojwang’ formally communicated his decision through a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, opting not to take up the role.
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, said that he had received a letter from Ojwang “respectfully” turning down the offer, citing personal reasons and a perceived conflict of interest.
“The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, has received a letter from Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang, declining his nomination as Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR),” a post on Parliament’s Facebook page read.
While he did not give public reasons, the unexpected move underscored the complexities of filling key constitutional offices.
Vincent Kemosi
Former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi Mogaka also declined a diplomatic posting as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
The nomination, announced on March 9, 2024, was part of a wider shake-up in the diplomatic corps.
Kemosi cited personal and family reasons for stepping away from the role, despite the posting being seen as a significant opportunity to strengthen Kenya–Ghana relations.
Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u
The role left vacant after Kemosi’s decision faced another blow in January 2025 when former ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u declined President William Ruto’s nomination to serve as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
Ndung’u, who had served in the Cabinet until her replacement in December 2024, did not publicly explain her reasons for turning down the opportunity.
Her refusal marked yet another challenge for the administration in securing willing and suitable candidates for high-level positions.
Faith Odhiambo
On July 6, 2024, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo turned down her appointment to the Presidential Task Force on the Audit of Public Debt.
Unlike others who cited personal reasons, Odhiambo’s rejection was grounded in constitutional concerns.
She argued that the task force’s mandate was unconstitutional, as it encroached on powers reserved for the Office of the Auditor-General.
Her stand drew praise from some quarters for defending institutional independence, while also fueling debate about the legality of certain executive actions.
Millicent Omanga
Former Senator Millicent Omanga was another prominent figure to reject a presidential appointment. On October 26, 2024, she announced via her X (formerly Twitter) account that she would not take up the role of member in the Nairobi Rivers Commission, citing personal reasons.
However, she later accepted an appointment to the Board of the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAP Fund), signalling her continued engagement in public service, albeit in a different capacity.
These rejections highlight that, despite the prestige and influence of high-level government positions, personal, professional, and constitutional considerations can outweigh the allure of serving in the President’s administration.