Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s sister is among the ambassadorial nominees announced by President William Ruto on Friday, in what pundits see as a benefit of the secret handshake.
Akinyi Walkowa Odinga, a stepsister of the Azimio leader, has been nominated as the Deputy Head of Mission in Los Angeles, USA. She will however need to pass parlimentary vetting and approval before taking up her new role.
Former Kenya Army Commander Peter Njiru has been put forward as the nation’s High Commissioner in Islamabad, Pakistan. Meanwhile, former Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt General Jonah Mwangi has been selected to serve as ambassador to Iran.
President Ruto has also unveiled several CAS nominees for ambassadorial roles.
Former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has been assigned as Kenya’s ambassador to Uganda. Maangi was initially expected to serve as CAS in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until the courts invalidated the nominations on grounds of unconstitutionality.
Vincent Kemosi, former West Mugirango MP, has been appointed as Kenya’s ambassador to Ghana. On the other hand, former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa has been named ambassador to Egypt. Kemosi was previously tapped for the position of CAS in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, while Outa was nominated for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.
Former Kericho Senator Christopher Lang’at has been designated to Ivory Coast, and former nominated Senator Petronilla Were is set to go to Ethiopia.
