David Mugonyi: Ruto's 10-Year Ally Replacing Ezra Chiloba At Communications Authority of Kenya
Mugonyi's appointment at CA was confirmed by CS Owalo as well as the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
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David Mugonyi, who served as the Head of the Presidential Communication Service (PCS), was on Wednesday, December 20 appointed by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo as the new Director-General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), replacing Ezra Chiloba.
Chiloba resigned on Thursday, October 19 from the post after he was suspended from the authority following a board meeting, which saw Christopher Wambua appointed the Director-General in an acting capacity.
Mugonyi's appointment at CA was confirmed by CS Owalo as well as the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
ICT CS Eliud Owalo speaking during a consultative meeting with the leadership and senior managers of the Kenya News Agency (KNA) on July 3, 2023. /FACEBOOK.ELIUD OWALO
"We further note that the Board has sought concurrence for the appointment of David Mugonyi as the Authority's Director General.
"In view of the foregoing, and in furtherance of circulars nos. OP/CAB.9/1A dated November 25, 2022, and April 3, 2023, respectively, concurrence is hereby given for the appointment of David Mugonyi as Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya," read Koskei's letter in part.
Unknown to many, Mugonyi has served as President William Ruto's ally since 2013 when the latter was elected Deputy President in the Jubilee regime.
At the time, he was appointed as the spokesperson and the communication secretary in the Office of the Deputy President (ODP).
A distinguished alumnus of the University of Nairobi (UoN), Mugonyi holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Degree in Education. His formative years at UoN laid the foundation for his career in media and communication, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the principles that govern the industry.
Mugonyi's pursuit of academic excellence saw him proceed on to further his studies abroad, obtaining a Master's in International Journalism from City University in the United Kingdom (UK).
Unlike other allies of President Ruto including Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, Mugonyi shied away from the public limelight but would occasionally tweet and respond to media queries, among them the withdrawal of Ruto's security guards months before the August 9 polls in 2022.
However, despite maintaining a low profile, it is said that he is more vocal behind the scenes and holds influence in Ruto's inner circles, hence his previous appointment to run PCS did not come as a surprise to those close to the Head of State.
His close friends describe him as a competent communication expert who gets the job done, a quality that has enabled him to maintain his friendship with Ruto for nearly 10 years.
His new appointment will thus see him bring forth a wealth of experience in communication and public relations to his new role. He will be expected to take on the responsibilities of steering the Communications Authority (CA) towards achieving its mandate in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
The Communications Authority plays a pivotal role in overseeing and regulating the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Kenya.
The DG position fell vacant following Chiloba's exit, and as Viral Tea exclusively reported, Chiloba was suspended owing to gross misconduct related to a Ksh25 million mortgage loan to facilitate the purchase of a property between himself and Jacob Simiyu Wakhungu without subjecting the transaction details to interrogation and approval by a higher authority.
