NAIROBI, Kenya — The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Office of the Ombudsman, has announced the resignation of its Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Mercy Wambua, effective January 27, 2026.
In a press statement dated Friday, February 6, 2026, the Commission said it formally considered and accepted Ms Wambua’s resignation at its 80th sitting, in accordance with the law and the Commission’s Human Resource policies.
“The Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Mercy Wambua, tendered her resignation on 27th January 2026,” the statement read.
Following the resignation, the Ombudsman has initiated the process of recruiting a new Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, in line with the Constitution, the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, and applicable public service regulations, to ensure continuity in leadership and the effective discharge of the Commission’s mandate.
The Commission said it would keep the public informed as the recruitment process progresses.
Oversight role and constitutional mandate
The Commission on Administrative Justice is an independent constitutional commission established under Article 59(4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, with the mandate to investigate complaints of maladministration, abuse of power, unfair treatment, and violation of administrative justice by public bodies.
As the Ombudsman, CAJ plays a critical oversight role across national and county governments, state corporations, and public offices, acting as a key accountability mechanism within Kenya’s governance architecture.
The Commission emphasised that despite the leadership transition, its work would continue uninterrupted.
“The Commission remains committed to serving the public with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” the statement said.
It added that members of the public would be kept informed throughout the process of appointing a new Commission Secretary and CEO.
Leadership transition and institutional continuity
Under the law, the recruitment of a new Commission Secretary must follow a competitive, merit-based, and transparent process, overseen by the Commission itself, and consistent with public service principles set out under Article 232 of the Constitution.
The statement was signed by CAJ Chairperson Charles Dulo, EBS, who did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding the resignation.
No interim appointment was announced.
The Commission did not indicate when it expects to conclude the recruitment process.
