Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has addressed allegations that he played a role in the rejection of Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Stella Soi, dismissing the claims as baseless. Cheruiyot, who spoke during a church event in Litein, Kericho, clarified that as a senator, he holds no power to influence Cabinet Secretary appointments.
Responding to accusations from certain Rift Valley politicians, Cheruiyot stated, "As a senator, I have no authority to stop someone from being appointed. But, I want to thank them if they have prophesied that I will soon have the ability to appoint CSs." He added humorously, "For now, I am yet to get that ability."
Cheruiyot also revealed his past efforts to support Soi's career progression when she sought his assistance after her position as deputy director in the Ministry of Housing had stagnated. He explained that he facilitated her transfer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she was promoted to director.
"She came to my office and told me she needed support. I went to the Public Service Commission, and having missed a chance at that ministry, she was moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and made the director," Cheruiyot recounted. "If she comes here, ask her if I never helped her."
The senator further mentioned that he was consulted on Soi’s suitability for the Gender CS position due to their shared county, and he had endorsed her. "I told them I know her and even recommended her for the job. It is only that I don’t make the final decision," he said.
These remarks come amid accusations from Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, who has publicly blamed certain Rift Valley leaders for undermining Soi's nomination. Ngeno suggested that despite President Ruto’s thorough vetting and subsequent nomination of Soi, local political interference led to her rejection.
“The president conducted due diligence before nominating her, being satisfied that she was qualified for the position. We thank him for that. It is only that some people from here spoiled it for her,” Ngeno stated during a function in Bomet.
