President William Ruto, currently on a tour of the Mt. Kenya region, has revoked the appointment of Irungu Nyakera as Chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Nyakera, a former Principal Secretary, is being replaced by Samuel Waweru Mwangi.
In a gazette notice published on Tuesday, April 1, Ruto announced Waweru’s appointment for a three-year term, effective from April 1, 2025. The notice read:
“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 the 1st April, 2025. The appointment of Irungu Nyakera is revoked.”
Following the announcement, Nyakera took to social media, commenting on his dismissal:
“I feel special to be fired through a special issue, they could not wait for Friday,” Nyakera remarked.
The move comes after Nyakera recently announced he would not be attending President Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour, fueling speculation about his political allegiance amid ongoing government realignments.
In a statement on March 30, Nyakera explained that he would be engaged with schoolwork at Oxford University during the President’s visit.
“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,” Nyakera stated.
Nyakera accompanying UDA leaders in a past rally.
Adding, “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 the politics.”
