List of top govt officials present at Ruto’s annual State of the Nation address
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 20, 2025President William Ruto was accompanied by top government officials and key representatives from various state institutions during his State of the Nation Address to Parliament. As the president made his way to the precincts of the chambers, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula formally recognised the distinguished leaders present in the Speaker’s room.
Among those recognised were the first lady, Rachel Ruto, and other members of the First Family, as well as the Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki. Also present were prominent cabinet officials, including the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi.
Judicial officials
The judiciary was well represented, with the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Lady Justice Martha Koome, accompanied by her Deputy and Vice President of the Supreme Court, Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu. Other senior judges included Justice Daniel Musinga of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oscar Angote of the Environment and Land Court, and Justice Brian Ongaya of the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Former leaders of Parliament were also in attendance, including former Speakers Francis Ole Kaparo, Ekwe Ethuro, and Kenneth Lusaka. Governors and other dignitaries included the Governor of Wajir County and Chairperson of the Council of Governors, Ahmed Abdullahi, and the Governor of Nairobi City County, Johnson Sakaja.
Past MPs present during SONU
Special recognition was also given to Cabinet Secretaries, including five former senior members of Parliament: Aden Duale, former Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, and his Senate counterpart, who doubles as the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen.
National Assembly minority leader John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, who now serve in the cabinet as finance and energy cabinet secretaries, respectively, and Lands CS Alice Wahome, who was the former MP for Kandara. Former members of Parliament serving as principal secretaries were also acknowledged.
Representatives from the diplomatic corps, heads of constitutional commissions, independent offices, and state corporations were in attendance, highlighting the collaborative effort across government agencies.
Key security figures attending
With the president required to give an update on the country’s state of security and also provide a report by the National Security Council to parliament for debate, key figures within the security sector were present:
The head of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Daniel Kahari, the service commanders, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other leaders of Kenya’s disciplined forces were also present, reflecting the nation’s emphasis on security and defence.
Speaker Wetangula, during his address, welcomed all the distinguished guests, emphasising their contributions to governance, national security, and public service.