President Ruto Appoints New Chairperson for Kenyatta International Convention Centre Board, Revokes Nyakera’s Appointment
“In the last election, Mt Kenya voted for development, and development, as we all know, comes through the Office of the President,” Nyakera added.
KICC new Board Chair Irungu Nyakera. Photo/Citizen Digital.
By Robert Assad
In a gazette notice dated April 1, 2025, President William Ruto appointed Samuel Waweru Mwangi as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for a term of three years, effective April 1, 2025.
The appointment, made under the powers granted by Section 43(1)(a) of the Tourism Act and Section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, was officially announced by the President’s office.
The notice also included the revocation of the appointment of Irungu Nyakera, who had previously held the position.
Nyakera’s dismissal was a surprise to many, coming just days after he made public statements regarding his decision to skip President Ruto’s upcoming Mount Kenya tour.
Reacting to his removal, Nyakera shared his thoughts on social media, remarking, “I feel special to be fired through a special issue. They could not wait for Friday.”
This comment suggested a sense of both resignation and defiance regarding his dismissal.
The timing of Nyakera’s sacking raised questions, especially after he had openly declared on March 30 that he would not be attending President Ruto’s Mount Kenya tour due to prior academic commitments at Oxford University.
In a statement, Nyakera explained his absence, stating, “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.”
Nyakera also used the opportunity to reflect on the importance of development in the Mount Kenya region, a theme central to the political landscape following the last general election.
“In the last election, Mt Kenya voted for development, and development, as we all know, comes through the Office of the President,” Nyakera added.
He also referenced historical lessons, invoking the time when President Jomo Kenyatta visited Kisumu with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, only to be met with hostility, a visit which, according to Nyakera, led to the region’s stunted development for decades.
Nyakera’s remarks have sparked discussions within political circles, with some viewing his comments as a sign of disagreement with the current administration’s approach, while others consider his dismissal part of a broader reshuffling within government structures.
Meanwhile, Samuel Waweru Mwangi’s appointment to lead KICC signals a shift in leadership as President Ruto continues to solidify his team ahead of upcoming national engagements.
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