Wanguku Defends Taking Ruto’s Job Offer
He said his role as a leader at KALRO provides him with a special opportunity to learn more in depth about Kenya’s agriculture problems
He threw a challenge to residents of Nyeri to stop politicizing his appointment. According to him, he has no dream of using the job to enrich himself. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) chairman Thuo Mathenge, better known as Wanguku, has faced criticism from the people of Nyeri and leaders after being appointed in President William Ruto’s administration.
In a statement on Kameme TV on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Wanguku rebutted claims that his move was politically motivated or self-enrichment. According to him, his move was mainly based on the job and his long-time passion for agriculture.
“If I was given a Defence job or anything else, I would not have taken it,” Wanguku stated. “But here in this job, it is agriculture. I know what happens in KALRO and in universities. To me, it is like school.”
He threw a challenge to residents of Nyeri to stop politicizing his appointment. According to him, he has no dream of using the job to enrich himself.
“I have my own money. I did not take up this job in order to get wealthy. I am doing it to learn and help,” he explained.
Wanguku decried the trend of brawling individuals simply because they are in the government. Public service is not always supposed to be viewed with political competition or distrust, he said.
“Desist from this habit of dismissing anyone who takes on a government position. I will not be standing outside observing—I will be inside working,” Wanguku said.
He said his role as a leader at KALRO provides him with a special opportunity to learn more in depth about Kenya’s agriculture problems. He feels it will enable him to make worthwhile contributions to solutions that help the broader community.
Wanguku insisted that joining the government is not political betrayal of their constituents or past positions. Instead, he called it a matter of personal decision to give where one’s ability and experience can best be utilized.
He concluded by calling on his critics to focus on real development issues rather than political and personal guessing.
“My promise is to serve in this position with honesty,” Wanguku stated. “Let us work towards developing our agricultural industry, rather than destroying one another.”
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