Former Roots Party presidential running-mate Justina Wamae has declined President William Ruto’s appointment to a newly established taskforce aimed at auditing health resources.
On Saturday, President Ruto gazetted a 20-member Human Resources for Health (HRH) taskforce, which is mandated to formulate comprehensive strategies and policies to enhance the healthcare workforce in Kenya.
Among those named to the taskforce was Justina Wamae.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Wamae thanked the President for acknowledging her strength and ability. However, she turned down the appointment, citing her current maternity leave and her inability to serve effectively at this time.
“Thank you, Mr. President William Samoei Ruto, for recognizing my strength, capacity, and ability and subsequently appointing me to serve in the Presidential Taskforce on addressing Human Resources for Health via Gazette Notice No. 8437 Executive Order No. 5 of 2024 dated July 5, 2024,” she said on X (formerly Twitter).
“However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I’m currently on maternity leave, and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time.”
The 20-member taskforce includes notable figures such as Acting Ministry of Health Director General Patrick Amoth and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah.
Other members include John Masasabi, Toseef Din, Wilson Aruasa, Doreen Rhoda Kanyua, Francis Wafula, Habiba Mohamed, Lucy Mburu, Collins Kiprono, Victor Miseda, Christine Okoth, Carolyne Mage, Jacinta Rwamba, Kanyenje Gakombe, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, and Benard Ondeng Otieno Choi.
Edna Tallam-Kimaiyo and Morris Kaburu have been named joint secretaries, while Hezron Omollo and Vivienne Eyase will serve as taskforce secretaries. The chairperson will be Khama Rogo, with Judith Guserwa as the vice chairperson. They have been appointed to serve for six months, effective from July 5, 2024.
This development comes after Wamae admitted on January 26, 2023, that she had sought a job from the Kenya Kwanza government. “Yes, I did.
It is common practice to ask, beg, seek, and knock on doors for anything in Kenya, including a job. My case is not unique,” she said while responding to inquiries on Facebook.
She acknowledged the importance of rewarding loyalists and emphasized that her current business endeavors are sufficient to support her family.
Wamae’s decision to decline the appointment reflects her commitment to her personal responsibilities and her belief in serving effectively when the circumstances allow.
