President Ruto Nominates Ezra Chiloba as Los Angeles Consul General

President William Ruto has nominated several individuals to key diplomatic positions in a bid to strengthen Kenya’s international representation.

The nominees include former officials, politicians, and a high-ranking military officer. Former Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Ezra Chiloba has been nominated as Consul General in Los Angeles, California. Chiloba resigned from his position at the CA in October 2023. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party member Fred Outa, an ally of President Ruto, has been nominated as Kenya’s Ambassador to Egypt. Outa was previously nominated for a different government position but the role was declared unconstitutional.

Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo Njiru, a recently retired officer with 39 years of service in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), has been nominated as Ambassador to Pakistan. The President has also nominated Caroline Mueke for the position of Secretary-General of the East African Community. However, this appointment is subject to approval by the regional body’s Summit of the Heads of State. These nominations come alongside the President’s announcement on International Women’s Day that ten women would be appointed as ambassadors and six as deputy ambassadors. This reflects the President’s commitment to ensuring gender balance on the international stage.

The nominations are now before the National Assembly for vetting and approval, following the standard protocol for such appointments. Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded to President William Ruto’s recent announcement concerning the inclusion of women as running mates for UDA candidates in upcoming elections. Speaking during the International Women’s Day celebrations in Embu on March 8, 2024, Gachagua acknowledged that discussions have indeed taken place regarding women’s leadership positions within the National Government.

However, he clarified that any implementation of such initiatives would be deferred until after the current terms. Gachagua emphasized the importance of carefully considering and planning the implementation of significant decisions such as this, indicating that it requires ample time and deliberation. Despite the delay in execution, he commended President Ruto for his steadfast commitment to women’s rights, particularly evident in his support for the two-thirds gender rule as outlined in the NADCO report.