CS Cheptumo Admits Ruto Gave Her the Job Out Of Sympathy

Hanna Wendot Cheptumo opened up about her path to cabinet secretary during a public event. The Gender CS told supporters President William Ruto appointed her out of sympathy after her husband’s death. She made the honest revelation yesterday in Baringo County, where her late husband served for years.

Cheptumo stood before the gathering and spoke with visible emotion. She paused at times to gather her thoughts. The lawyer turned minister addressed questions about her sudden entry into national politics. Many in the crowd leaned forward to catch every word.

Why did President Ruto appoint Hanna Cheptumo as Gender CS?

President Ruto appointed Hanna Cheptumo as Gender CS out of sympathy because she became a widow after her husband passed away.

She addressed the crowd directly during the meeting. “Ruto alinipea hii kazi ya CS juu ya Huruma.” Cheptumo explained the appointment came from a place of compassion.

“I’m a widow.” She let those simple words hang in the air for a moment. Attendees nodded in understanding. Her husband, William Cheptumo, had represented Baringo as senator until his sudden death in February 2025. The loss hit the family hard just weeks before Ruto moved to fill the gender docket.

Cheptumo continued her conversation with the audience. “Mambo ya siasa sikuwa nataka because my late husband was an MP and later senator for 15 years.” She described how politics felt overwhelming after years of supporting her spouse from the sidelines.

William Cheptumo first served as a member of Parliament before moving to the Senate, where he spent over a decade. The couple raised three children together while he built his legislative career.

She took office on April 17, 2025, after Parliament approved her nomination on March 26. Cheptumo replaced Aisha Jumwa in the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage. Her background as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya helped her transition. Yet she made clear this was never her original plan.

Residents in Baringo town and nearby areas listened closely. Some wiped tears as she recalled family moments. The CS described quiet evenings at home in the Rift Valley when her husband discussed parliamentary bills.

She thanked President Ruto for the opportunity despite her initial reluctance. The role demands attention on women’s issues, youth empowerment and cultural preservation across Kenya. She has already visited counties like Nakuru and Kisumu to launch programmes since taking the job.

The minister addressed the crowd again later in her remarks. She urged women to step forward in leadership even after personal loss. Her words carried weight in a region where family and politics often intertwine closely.

This revelation comes at a time when Kenya watches cabinet performance ahead of future elections. Cheptumo faces high expectations in her docket.

She moved through the gathering afterwards and greeted people warmly. The air smelt of fresh earth after recent rains in the area. Women shared stories of their own challenges while men discussed community development needs. Cheptumo listened intently to each one.

President Ruto spotted potential in her during a difficult season. Cheptumo turns that huruma into action for Kenyan families nationwide.

Cheptumo shows determination in every appearance. She tackles tough files with the same quiet strength that carried her family through grief. Kenyans watch to see how this chapter unfolds in the months ahead.