Ruto Sacks Official Who Refused to Join Him on Mt Kenya Tour
Kenyan President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of Irungu Nyakera as the Chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Nyakera, a former Principal Secretary, has been replaced by Samuel Waweru Mwangi.
The announcement was made in a gazette notice published on Tuesday, April 1. According to the notice, Waweru will serve as KICC chair for three years, starting April 1, 2025.
Official Notice from President Ruto
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 43 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Samuel Waweru Mwangi to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for a period of three (3) years, with effect from April 1, 2025. The appointment of Irungu Nyakera is revoked,” the notice stated.
Nyakera’s Reaction
After the announcement, Nyakera took to social media to express his thoughts on being removed from office. He sarcastically remarked, “I feel special to be fired through a special issue, they could not wait for Friday.”
Political Implications
Nyakera’s removal comes just days after he skipped President Ruto’s tour of the Mount Kenya region. This move raised speculation about his political stance amid recent government realignments.
On Sunday, March 30, Nyakera explained that he was unable to attend the tour because he was engaged in studies at Oxford University. “I will not be present during the President’s upcoming visit to Mt Kenya as I am still in school at Oxford University. That said, I want to share my message with the people and leaders of Mt Kenya,” he stated.
Nyakera also urged leaders in the region to prioritize development, echoing calls from allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the completion of stalled projects in Mount Kenya. “In the last election, Mt Kenya voted for development, and development, as we all know, comes through the Office of the President. When he visits next week, let our focus be on that development – not on politics,” he emphasized.
What’s Next for KICC?
With Samuel Waweru Mwangi now taking over as KICC chair, the focus will be on how he steers the convention center’s operations. His leadership will be crucial in boosting tourism and economic activities linked to KICC.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Ruto Sacks Official Who Refused to Join Him on Mt Kenya Tour
