Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has opened up about her life after being dismissed from President William Ruto’s administration in June 2024.
Her removal came during a major Cabinet reshuffle triggered by nationwide protests led by Gen Z against the Finance Bill 2024. The protests, which were fueled by economic frustrations and governance concerns, put pressure on the government, leading Ruto to dismiss all Cabinet Secretaries except Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi.
He later restructured his government, bringing in new officials, including members of the opposition ODM party, to create a so-called “unity government.
“Nakhumicha revealed that she learned about her dismissal in an unexpected way through television. Speaking at a memorial service for former IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati in Kitale, she shared how she had to adjust to life outside government.
She explained that after leaving office, she decided to shift her focus to agriculture, specifically cabbage farming in Cheranganyi. She admitted that her sudden exit from the powerful position of Health CS was a shock, but she has since embraced her new venture.
Her words at the memorial service highlighted the abrupt nature of the Cabinet changes. “Nilikuwa waziri wa afya hii mitandao ikakuja, wakasema ma Gen Z wanaanguka na watu, wakaanguka na mimi,” she remarked, acknowledging how the protests led to her downfall.
The Gen Z protests were particularly strong on social media, and their influence ultimately shaped the government overhaul.
The demonstrations not only forced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill but also led to the restructuring of Ruto’s administration.
Nakhumicha’s experience reflects the unpredictable nature of Kenyan politics, where high-ranking officials can lose their positions overnight.
Before her removal, she was at the center of major healthcare debates, including issues surrounding the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) reforms and the procurement of medical supplies.
However, her tenure was also marked by criticism over the state of public hospitals and delays in salary payments for medical workers.With her transition to farming, Nakhumicha joins a growing list of former government officials who have turned to agriculture after leaving office.
Her choice of cabbage farming in Cheranganyi suggests a return to her rural roots, away from the pressures of national politics. Whether she intends to return to the political scene in the future remains unclear, but for now, she seems focused on her new venture.
Her story serves as a reminder of how quickly political fortunes can change in Kenya, especially in a government facing strong public pressure.
