On 3 October 2025, President William Ruto announced a sweeping diplomatic and governance reshuffle, naming nine new ambassadors, high commissioners, and consuls general in a move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s foreign policy presence. Among the key appointments is Florence Chepngetich Bore, the former Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, who has been appointed High Commissioner to Namibia. Other diplomats named include Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri (Ambassador to Turkey), Lucy Kiruthu (Ambassador to Thailand), Henry Wambuma (Ambassador to Burundi), Abdirashid Salat Abdille (Ambassador to Indonesia), Joseph Musyoka Masila (Ambassador to Saudi Arabia), Edwin Afande (Ambassador to Austria), and two Consuls General — Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich in Dubai and Judy Kiaria Nkumiri in Goma, DRC.
In the same Gazette notice, President Ruto also appointed John Cox Lorionokou as the new Registrar of Political Parties on a non-renewable six-year term, taking over from Sophia Sitati who had been acting in the role. Alongside him, Agatha Wanjiku Wahome was named Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, also for six years. In addition, Claris Awuor Ogangah was appointed Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) for a six-year term, succeeding the late Roseline Odede.
Observers interpret the appointments as part of President Ruto’s broader strategy to reassert control over strategic oversight and diplomatic offices as his term progresses. The new envoys are expected to translate Kenya’s development priorities—including domestic economic strategies and regional integration—into stronger bilateral partnerships abroad, while the changes in key regulatory and human rights institutions signal a push to tighten governance architectures at home.
