{
  "id": 5956270,
  "title": "PS Lenasalon reveals how Ruto backed his rise to the devolution docket",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/ps-lenasalon-reveals-how-ruto-backed-his-rise-to-the-devolution-docket",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T10:42:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/ps-lenasalon-reveals-how-ruto-backed-his-rise-to-the-devolution-docket"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon from Samburu County shared his journey to securing a senior government position under President William Ruto. During his thanksgiving ceremony on September 6, 2026, in South Horr, Lenasalon addressed concerns about his physical appearance and background that led to doubts about his suitability for the role. He stated, “Wengine walikuwa wanasema, ‘Leteni kwanza huyo kijana Rais amuone.’ Je labda anawesani kataza kazi kwa sababu ya mwili wangu? Ama labda anaweza ni kataza kazi kwa sababu ya mahali nimetoka?” Lenasalon, who is from Samburu North, also mentioned that he declined a meeting discussing his appointment and instead opted to handle the matter through proper channels. He attributed his success to Ruto, describing their meeting as coincidental and praising the president’s good spirit in believing in him. Lenasalon reflected on his journey, crediting the “hand of God” for his progress, saying, “Lakini nikiona pia journey yangu ninaona pia mkono wa Mungu.” He recalled being called a “child of prophecy” by elders and expressed gratitude for Ruto’s mentorship, vowing to serve Kenyans without discrimination. Lenasalon also commended Head of Public Service Felix Koskei for forwarding his letters to the President and pledged to treat everyone equally.",
  "summary": "Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Devolution, Michael Lenasalon has revealed some of the hurdles he faced before his appointment, saying President William Ruto played a key role in ensuring he secured the senior government position. Speaking during his thanksgiving ceremony in South Horr, Samburu County, on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Lenasalon said some individuals […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Lenasalon secured senior position under President Ruto in 2026.",
    "Samburu County native faced doubts about suitability.",
    "Praises Ruto's mentorship and equal service commitment."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "Ruto attends PS Michael Lenasalon’s thanksgiving ceremony in Samburu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/ruto-attends-ps-michael-lenasalons-thanksgiving-ceremony-in-samburu",
        "published": "2026-09-06T09:00:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "KBC",
        "title": "Ruto attends PS Lenasalon thanksgiving in Samburu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/ruto-attends-ps-lenasalon-thanksgiving-in-samburu",
        "published": "2026-09-06T09:47:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}