NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto on Thursday handed key government roles to allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in a series of high-profile appointments.
The appointments, announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, come just days after Ruto and Kenyatta held a rare handshake at the latter’s Gatundu home, marking a symbolic end to their years-long political feud.
Among the notable beneficiaries is former Laikipia Governor and Raila Odinga’s 2022 campaign chairman, Ndiritu Muriithi, who has been appointed Chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board.
Muriithi succeeds Anthony Mwaura, who now moves to head the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
Additionally, President Ruto appointed former Communications Authority boss Kembi Gitura as Chair of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
Gitura replaces Prof. Olive Mugenda, who resigned recently amid staff protests over working conditions.
These developments follow Ruto’s earlier nominations of Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture CS), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade CS), and William Kabogo (ICT CS)—all former allies of Uhuru Kenyatta.
The appointments are widely seen as a strategic gesture by President Ruto to mend fences with Uhuru Kenyatta’s political camp, as well as consolidate his influence ahead of future political milestones.
Ruto and Kenyatta’s fallout began during their second term in office when the former Deputy President opposed the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a constitutional amendment push spearheaded by Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Ruto’s latest appointments now mark a notable softening of that political animosity.
The appointments, announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, come just days after Ruto and Kenyatta held a rare handshake at the latter’s Gatundu home, marking a symbolic end to their years-long political feud.
Among the notable beneficiaries is former Laikipia Governor and Raila Odinga’s 2022 campaign chairman, Ndiritu Muriithi, who has been appointed Chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board.
Muriithi succeeds Anthony Mwaura, who now moves to head the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
Additionally, President Ruto appointed former Communications Authority boss Kembi Gitura as Chair of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
Gitura replaces Prof. Olive Mugenda, who resigned recently amid staff protests over working conditions.
These developments follow Ruto’s earlier nominations of Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture CS), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade CS), and William Kabogo (ICT CS)—all former allies of Uhuru Kenyatta.
The appointments are widely seen as a strategic gesture by President Ruto to mend fences with Uhuru Kenyatta’s political camp, as well as consolidate his influence ahead of future political milestones.
Ruto and Kenyatta’s fallout began during their second term in office when the former Deputy President opposed the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a constitutional amendment push spearheaded by Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Ruto’s latest appointments now mark a notable softening of that political animosity.
