NAIROBI, Kenya- Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale has criticised recent leadership changes at the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), describing the appointments as a “brotherhood swap” and invoking the government’s “Usawa ni Sawa” slogan in a swipe at what he called nepotism.
Khalwale’s remarks followed KenGen’s appointment of Prof. Eng. John Kipngetich Mosonik as board chairman, replacing former Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi Masadia.
Mosonik was elected during a board meeting on Monday, November 2.
He previously served as a non-executive director at KenGen and chaired its Strategy Committee.
KenGen’s incoming chief executive, Ronoh Kibet Charles, was appointed separately on October 24.
He is due to take office on February 1, 2027, succeeding Eng. Peter Waweru Njenga upon his retirement.
KenGen said Kibet was selected through a competitive recruitment process.
Khalwale described Agoi as an ally of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and questioned the fairness of the appointments.
“Sema usawa ni sawa!” he said, using the phrase to criticise what he sees as unequal treatment in government appointments.
The leadership changes involve two distinct positions.
Mosonik’s appointment is to the KenGen board chairmanship, while Kibet is the CEO designate.
The company said Mosonik brings more than 35 years of experience in engineering, infrastructure, energy and corporate governance.
Khalwale’s comments add to political scrutiny of appointments to state-linked institutions, where questions about regional representation, political connections and recruitment processes often surface.
KenGen’s public statements describe Mosonik’s election by the board and Kibet’s selection through a competitive process; they do not establish the nepotism alleged by Khalwale.
