President William Ruto has dismissed Irungu Nyakera from his position as chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), replacing him with Samuel Waweru Mwangi in a move that signals shifting political dynamics within the administration.
In an official gazette notice published on Tuesday, April 1, Ruto invoked his executive powers to appoint Waweru for a three-year term, effective immediately.
“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,” the notice read in part.
The decision removes Nyakera, a former Principal Secretary in the Transport and Devolution ministries, from the helm of one of Kenya’s most prominent convention centers. His tenure at KICC lasted less than two years after Ruto previously appointed him in 2023.
Nyakera’s Response: Sarcasm and Political Undertones
Shortly after the announcement, Nyakera took to social media to react to his dismissal, posting a sarcastic remark suggesting he was taken aback by the urgency of the decision.
“I feel special to be fired through a special issue; they could not wait for Friday,” he wrote.
His removal follows a week of speculation regarding his political stance after he announced he would skip President Ruto’s Mount Kenya tour, citing academic commitments at Oxford University. Some political analysts believe his absence may have signaled a wavering allegiance to Ruto’s administration amid shifting alliances following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the evolving rapprochement between Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Sunday, March 30, Nyakera urged Mount Kenya leaders to focus on development rather than political alignments.
“When the President visits next week, let our focus be on development, not politics,” he said, echoing sentiments expressed by Gachagua’s allies who have been lobbying for stalled projects in the region to resume.
Political Ramifications and Nyakera’s Trajectory
Nyakera has played a prominent role in government over the past decade, holding senior positions in transport, devolution, and healthcare administration. Ruto previously appointed him chairperson of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) in May 2023, before moving him to KICC later that year.
Outside government, Nyakera leads the Farmers Party of Kenya, a political outfit that is loosely affiliated with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition. His next political move remains uncertain, but analysts speculate he may align himself with factions critical of the president.
With Waweru’s appointment, the Ruto administration continues its trend of strategic government reshuffles, ensuring loyalty within key state institutions as the political landscape evolves.
