Ruto Recalls Ambassador Judy Wakhungu from France

President William Ruto on Monday, June 26, recalled France's ambassador Judy Wakhungu.

A source from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs briefed that the decision was reached after consultation with the apex office in the land, but failed to provide further information on the nature of the discussions or why the former Cabinet Secretary for Tourism was recalled. Wakhungu was a part of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration which elapsed in August 2022. 

Her recall comes shortly after Ruto had been hosted by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a panel discussion. Reports indicate that the Kenyan Embassy in Paris, led by Wakhungu, was heavily involved in the preparation and management of the issues that were brought up during the New Global Financial Pact. Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei has confirmed that several diplomats will be making their way back to the country. Wakhungu was on February 26, 2018, appointed Ambassador to France after serving as Tourism Cabinet Secretary for five years.

The process of appointing ambassadors starts with the President nominating candidates. The list of nominees is then sent to the Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations (DFDR) of the National Assembly to undergo scrutiny. This includes assessing their credentials, past experience, and their suitability for the positions. The DFDR then submits the names of the nominees for ratification or adoption by the National Assembly. Upon approval, the President appoints them as ambassadors.