The Public Service Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, May 10, clarified a viral post that had announced shortlisted candidates for ambassadorial positions.
The post purported that PSC had shortlisted 20 individuals including popular politicians to be considered for nomination and appointment as Kenyan ambassadors and heads of missions in foreign nations.
Flagging the post as fake, PSC announced that it did not originate from the commission and that Kenyans should disregard it.
“It has come to our attention that some fraudulent individuals are circulating a fake list of appointed ambassadors and heads of missions purporting to originate from the PSC.
“We would like to inform the public that this list is fake and should be treated as such,” PSC stated.
In the now-flagged post, former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici had been picked for an ambassadorial role.
The list also had Aloise Kinyanjui Kuria, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s brother.
Notable leaders who were named on the list were; Abdi Yakub Guliye (Former commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission), Gideon Keter (former nominated MP), and Patrick Khaemba (Former Trans Nzoia governor).
Others included; Onesimus Kiptum, Judy Jebet, Geogrey Cherongis, Evelyne M. Kingi, Josephine Jepchumba Sudi, Daniel Nanok, Prisca N Mudavadi, Nancy Jebii Cherargei, Ezekiel Wahome, Juliet-Anne Rutto, Samuel Tirop, Stephen ole Kudatte, Henry Kiplagat Rotich, and Damaris Bitok.
According to the Kenyan Constitution Article 132, only the President is allowed to appoint ambassadors.
“The President may appoint high commissioners, ambassadors and diplomatic and consular representatives,” Article 132 reads in part.
On January 2023, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei announced that Ruto was going to recall some of the ambassadors appointed during his predecessor’s era.
“The recall of envoys will vary from one person to another.
“There are ambassadors who have served their maximum term while others have attained retirement age,” Sing’oei stated at that time.
Ambassadors facing retirement include; Cleopa Mailu (Switzerland, UN), Judy Wakhungu (France), Willy Bett (India), Mohammed Shidiye (Botswana), Phyllis Kandie (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO), Samuel Thuita (Israel), Nicholas Ogego (Saudi Arabia), Ndegwa Muhoro (Malaysia) and Lazarus Amayo (Washington).
