President Ruto sacks Nyakera as KICC Chairperson, appoints Samuel Waweru
President William Ruto has dismissed Irungu Nyakera from his role as the chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and appointed Samuel Waweru Mwangi as his replacement.
The decision was formalized through a gazette notice published on Tuesday, April 1, stating that Waweru will serve as the chairperson for a three-year term.
"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.
Reacting to the announcement on his social media platforms, Nyakera took a sarcastic approach to his dismissal.
"I feel special to be fired through a special issue; they could not wait for Friday," he remarked.
Nyakera’s removal follows his recent public remarks about his absence from President Ruto’s tour of the Mount Kenya region.
On Sunday, March 30, he stated that he would not be part of the visit, citing academic commitments at Oxford University.
"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 noted.
In his statement, Nyakera emphasized the need for the region to prioritize development, aligning with sentiments from allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who have been advocating for the completion of stalled projects in the area.
"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," he stated.
Nyakera previously held positions in government, including as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, where he was responsible for overseeing Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
