Ruto Appoints New Ambassador and Bishop in Latest State Appointments

President William Ruto has made fresh state appointments, naming a new ambassador and appointing a bishop to chair a key national commission.

In a Gazette Notice dated Friday, May 8, 2026, President Ruto appointed Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe as an Ambassador within Kenya’s Foreign Service.

The appointment was made under Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, which grants the President powers to appoint and dismiss state officers.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Julius Murori Mbijiwe (Dr.) to be an Ambassador within the Foreign Service of the Republic of Kenya,” the notice stated.

Ruto Announces New State Appointments

At the same time, the Head of State appointed Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae as chairperson of the commission for a term of six years.

The appointment was made under Section 17 (1) (a) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

President Ruto also appointed seven members to serve on the commission for six years.

The newly appointed members are Josphine Kirion Eragae, Joseph K. Nguyo, Jackson Swadi Kedogo, Dr Samuel Mwachiro Mwawasi, Irene Chepoisho Tulel, Hassan Billow Ahmed and Jerusah Mwaathime Michael.

Profile of Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe

Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe is a Kenyan academic, public administrator and diplomat who currently serves as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Vatican (Holy See).

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His appointment was approved by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on April 29, 2026, following vetting conducted under the Constitution and the Foreign Service Act.

Academic Background

Holds a PhD in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.
Holds a Master’s degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.
Earned a Bachelor of Education (Science), specialising in Physics and Mathematics.

Professional and Political Career

Before joining the diplomatic service, Dr. Mbijiwe served in leadership roles in education, county governance and politics.

Served as Chief of Staff in Meru County under Governor Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia.
Served two terms as MCA for Mwanganthia Ward in the Meru County Assembly.
Previously served as Executive Secretary of KUPPET in Meru Central.
Currently serves as Chairman of the National Ordinary People Empowerment Union (NOPEU) Party.

Profile of Bishop Kepha Omae

Bishop Kepha Omae is the Senior Pastor of Liberty Christian Centre and the Presiding Bishop of Redeemed Gospel Church Inc.

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He was ordained as a pastor under Redeemed Gospel Church Inc and has played a key role in church leadership and Christian advocacy in Kenya.

Bishop Omae is also the founding chairman of the Kenya Coalition of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCAM).

Over the years, he has held several leadership positions in the Christian community, including serving on the board of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) alongside other church leaders such as David Oginde.

He is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF).

Academically, Bishop Omae holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organisational Leadership from Pan African Christian (PAC) University, which he obtained in July 2025.

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