President Ruto Names Charles Owino New Government Spokesperson, Moves Isaac Mwaura in Fresh Executive Changes
He has previously served as Police Spokesperson and has been a familiar figure in national security briefings and media interactions.
Photo: Courtesy.
Anthony Mamuli
President William Ruto has appointed former police spokesperson Charles Owino as the new Government Spokesperson in a fresh round of changes within the Executive aimed at bolstering public communication.
In a statement released from State House on Monday, July 21, 2026, the President said Owino will now be the face and voice of the Kenya Kwanza administration, tasked with articulating government policies, programmes, achievements and the national development agenda to the public.
Owino, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police and immediate former Director of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) communication unit, brings to the office decades of experience in security communication, strategic messaging and public engagement. He has previously served as Police Spokesperson and has been a familiar figure in national security briefings and media interactions.
According to State House, his appointment is part of President Ruto’s broader plan to strengthen government communication, enhance transparency and improve citizen engagement at a time when the administration is rolling out key flagship projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In the same reshuffle, outgoing Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has been redeployed to the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights. The office, domiciled in the Executive Office of the President, is mandated to champion policies that promote equity, protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure inclusion across all public institutions.
Mwaura’s reassignment has been seen as aligning with his long-standing advocacy work. A former nominated Senator, Mwaura has for years been a vocal champion for persons with albinism, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups. His experience is expected to give impetus to the government’s inclusion agenda.
Political analysts say the changes signal President Ruto’s intent to sharpen his communication strategy. Owino is known for his firm, articulate and often no-nonsense approach to public communication, a style many believe will be crucial in countering misinformation and explaining government policy in a complex information environment.
The appointments take effect immediately, with both officials expected to assume office without delay as the government intensifies implementation of its development priorities in roads, affordable housing, universal health coverage and agricultural reforms.
State House said further changes within the public service should be expected as the President moves to align his team with his delivery-focused agenda for his second term.
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