Sacked KICC chairperson Irungu Nyakera. Photo/Citizen Digital
By Newsflash Reporter
President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of former Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera as the chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), replacing him with Samuel Waweru.
In a gazette notice published on Tuesday, April 1, Ruto announced Waweru’s appointment 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,” read part of the notice.
Nyakera’s sarcastic response
Shortly after the announcement, Nyakera took to social media with a sarcastic reaction to his removal, stating, “I feel special to be fired through a special issue, they could not wait for Friday.”
Read more: Ruto sacks Muturi, appoints Ruku as new Public Service CS
His dismissal comes amid growing speculation about his political stance, following his recent declaration that he would not be attending Ruto’s tour of the Mt Kenya region.
Political fallout?
On Sunday, March 30, Nyakera cited academic commitments at Oxford University as the reason for his absence from Ruto’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,” he stated.
“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,” Nyakera added.
Nyakera is considered a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Nyakera is associated with the Farmers Party of Kenya (FPK), which is currently led by former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Sources close to to him say that he may be vying for Murang’a gubernatorial seat in 2027.
