National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has revealed why former Kiminini Member of Parliament Chris Wamalwa’s name was rejected after being forwarded by the Ford Kenya party for cabinet nomination.

Speaking during an interview with local Luhya radio stations on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Speaker stated that Chris Wamalwa—now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)—was the only name forwarded to President William Ruto by the Ford Kenya party, where Wamalwa had previously served as the party’s Secretary-General. The nomination was part of Ford Kenya’s 30 per cent government coalition share agreement.

Wetang’ula explained that after the name was submitted, the appointing authority—the President—returned it, stating that he wanted Ford Kenya to nominate a female candidate, as there was no space for male nominees in his cabinet at the time.

“Chris Wamalwa was the only choice of Ford Kenya to be a minister in the cabinet. When we finished the elections, it was the only name we took. The appointing authority came back to us and said, ‘I will ask Ford Kenya to give me a lady. I have no space for a man.’ It’s the appointing authority.”

He added that it was at this point that the party settled on Susan Nakhumicha, who had unsuccessfully contested for the Trans Nzoia Woman Representative seat and finished third.

She was later appointed Health Cabinet Secretary, a position she held until the Gen Z protests, after which she was dismissed and replaced by the current Environment Cabinet Secretary, Deborrah Mulongo.

Wetang’ula further stated that all was not lost for Chris Wamalwa. He explained that Wamalwa was later considered for another lucrative government position, which saw him appointed to head KEBS.

According to Wetang’ula, the KEBS CEO position is of equal rank to other major parastatals such as the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), and several other state corporations.

“Where is Chris Wamalwa? He is the chairman of the KEBS, a major critical parastatal in the country.”

2027 Nzoia gubernatorial race

Chris Wamalwa has also launched his 2027 gubernatorial bid for Trans Nzoia County, seeking to challenge the incumbent, George Natembeya, who defeated him in 2022.

The former health cs Susan Nakhumicha is also eyeing the same seat and is adamant of unseating George Natembeya in 2027 polls