Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has expressed her disappointment and frustration after being excluded from President William Ruto’s reshuffled administration.
Speaking candidly during a funeral in Bungoma on a Saturday, Nakhumicha revealed the emotional and financial challenges she has faced since leaving her prominent role in government.
She openly sought prayers from Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, admitting that life has become difficult without the power and influence that her position as Cabinet Secretary once provided.
Nakhumicha had been appointed as the Health Cabinet Secretary in Ruto’s administration, where she oversaw critical reforms, including the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), one of the key flagship programs of the government.
During her 21 months in office, she spearheaded substantial changes in the healthcare system, both legislatively and in policy.
These reforms aimed to provide broader access to healthcare for all Kenyans, particularly through initiatives like “Afya Nyumbani,” which sought to integrate community health workers into the national healthcare framework.
Reflecting on her tenure, Nakhumicha highlighted her accomplishments and praised the dedication of health workers who contributed to the success of these initiatives.
She noted that her leadership helped lay the groundwork for the realization of UHC, a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
However, despite her efforts, Nakhumicha found herself outside the political circle after President Ruto’s decision to re-align his Cabinet.
Her exclusion from the Cabinet has not been without controversy.
Nakhumicha’s replacement, Dr. Deborah Barasa, was met with mixed reactions, particularly from factions within Ford Kenya, the political party led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Some party members, including County Secretary Joseph Pepela, accused Wetang’ula of using his influence to reward political allies rather than choosing a candidate based on merit or regional representation.
The tensions within the party reflect the larger political discord that often accompanies such reshuffles.While Nakhumicha remains gracious in her exit, thanking President Ruto for the opportunity to serve the country, she has not shied away from expressing the personal difficulties that have followed her departure.
Her comments about seeking spiritual support underscore the emotional toll that political life can take, especially when one’s role is abruptly terminated.
For Nakhumicha, the transition from being a powerful figure in government to navigating life outside the public eye has been particularly challenging.
Nakhumicha’s situation is emblematic of the shifting political landscape in Kenya, where high-ranking officials often face abrupt exits due to Cabinet reshuffles or political realignments.
Her experience highlights the precarious nature of political appointments, where personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined.
The fate of individuals like Nakhumicha offers insight into the human side of politics one that is often marked by highs of public service and the lows of personal loss.
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