NAIROBI – The Ministry of Interior has terminated the appointment of John Njuguna Burugu as Acting Commissioner for Refugee Affairs following revelations that he held two public positions simultaneously. John Njuguna Burugu was formally directed to vacate the role on Tuesday and return to his original position at the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), a post he was appointed to in June 2020 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The move comes amid growing questions about the legality of Burugu’s dual role, which began in March 2023 when then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki appointed him to lead refugee affairs. John Burugu never resigned from IGRTC, sparking concerns within government circles.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, through Immigration Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, ordered Burugu’s exit in a letter dated July 22. “To end the concurrent holding of two public offices, and with concurrence of the Cabinet Secretary, your appointment as Commissioner for Refugee Affairs is terminated,” read the letter.
Burugu has been replaced by Mercy Wambugha Mwaseru, who will take over in an acting capacity effective immediately.
Speaking from his home, Burugu confirmed receiving the directive and said he would hand over the office as instructed. “I will hand over the office on Wednesday. I am preparing the handover notes,” Burugu said. John Burugu defended his actions, claiming he had never drawn a salary or any benefits from the Department of Immigration during his time at the Refugee Affairs Secretariat. He also alleged that internal politics and delays by senior officials prevented his confirmation to the role, despite passing Public Service Commission (PSC) interviews in 2024.
“I was ranked first in the PSC interviews held in July last year. But the then Principal Secretary failed to issue my appointment letter. That stalled the confirmation process,” Burugu stated. He added that efforts to resolve the matter were frustrated internally, leaving his acting role in limbo.
In January, a Nairobi court intervened in the recruitment process after a Kenyan citizen, Stanley Kyalo Muli, filed a legal challenge. Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi issued temporary orders barring the PSC from proceeding with fresh recruitment for the Commissioner position.
“Pending the hearing and determination of the application by this court, interim orders are issued restraining PSC from recruiting any persons or conducting interviews for the position of Secretary, Refugee Affairs,” Justice Nderi ruled on January 29, 2025.
The case is still pending, and the outcome could further shape how the position is filled moving forward. Meanwhile, Burugu is expected to resume his duties at IGRTC.
The Ministry maintains that its actions followed constitutional guidelines and were necessary to uphold public service standards and avoid conflict of interest.
About the Author
