President William Ruto has appointed businessman and politician Dr. Thuo Mathenge, popularly known as Wangûkû, as the new chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
Mathenge, who will serve a three-year term, takes over from Peter Weru Kinyua, whose appointment has been revoked.
Mathenge, who contested the Nyeri gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections but lost to incumbent Mutahi Kahiga, is also the leader of The New Democratic Party (TND).
His appointment comes at a time when he is actively promoting TND as a political alternative for the Mt Kenya region, positioning the party as a key player in the 2027 elections.
Following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as deputy presidency, Mathenge has been vocal in urging the people of Mt Kenya to rally behind TND to ensure the region’s interests are better represented in the next government.
Mathenge’s new role marks a further strengthening of his ties with President Ruto, particularly after an earlier public fallout with Gachagua.
The tension between Mathenge and Gachagua arose after the latter made controversial remarks about Mathenge and other leaders, labeling them as “Mungiki” following a large gathering of Kikuyu young men in Murang’a last year.
