President Ruto Terminates Appointments of Two Senior Officials

President William Ruto has revoked the appointments of two high-profile figures, Joe Owaka Ager and Kiema Mwandia.

Their replacements have yet to be announced, a development that underscores Ruto's ongoing commitment to reorganizing and streamlining the management of essential parastatals. In an official Gazette Notice, President Ruto announced the removal of Joe Owaka Ager from his role as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya. This decision was made under the authority granted by Section 6(1)(a) of the State Corporations Act and Section 51(1) of the Interpretations and General Provisions Act.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6(1)(a) of the State Corporations Act, as read together with Section 51(1) of the Interpretations and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, revoke the appointment of Joe Owaka Ager as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya, with effect from January 31, 2025,” the notice reads in part.

Ager, known for his close association with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has held several significant positions, including Chair of the Placement Board for the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and General Manager of the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO). His recent capacity was the Secretary of Governance in Ruto’s administration.

Concurrently, Kiema Mwandia has also been removed from his position as a member of the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency Board. Mwandia, a prominent member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and a vital player in the party's 2022 electoral campaigns, is now seeking clarity after this unexpected change. This revocation, similarly carried out under Section 51(1) of the Interpretations and General Provisions Act, reflects the president’s prerogative in reshaping governance structures.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 51(1) of the Interpretations and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, revoke the appointment of Kiema Mwandia as a Member of the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency Board, with effect from January 31, 2025,” the notice reads.