Irungu Nyakera Reacts To Ruto Firing Him As KICC Board Chair
The Head of State in a Gazette Notice announced administrative changes to the helm of the historical convention point in Nairobi
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Minutes after President William Ruto announced the revocation of Irungu Nyakera as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), he reacted to the developments.
Taking to his social media platforms on Wednesday, April 2, Nyakera responded to the revocation of his appointment with sarcasm.
''I feel special to be fired through a special issue; they could not wait for Friday,'' Nyakera stated.
The Head of State in a Gazette Notice announced administrative changes to the helm of the historical convention point in Nairobi, replacing Nyakera with Samuel Waweru Mwangi for a period of three years, changes which took effect on Tuesday, April 1.
Former Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Irungu Nyakera at KICC on December 19, 2024. /IRUNGU NYAKERA
''In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 43 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Samuel Waweru Mwangi to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 1st April, 2025. The appointment of Irungu Nyakera is revoked,'' read part of the notice.
Last week, Nyakera announced that he would not be attending Ruto's Mount Kenya tour, sparking speculation about his political allegiance amid recent shifts following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the newfound agreement between Ruto and ODP leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Sunday, March 30, Nyakera explained that he would be preoccupied with his studies at Oxford University.
"I will not be present during the President’s upcoming visit to Mt Kenya as I am still in school at Oxford University. That said, I want to share my message with the people and leaders of Mt Kenya," he stated.
In his statement, Nyakera emphasized the importance of prioritizing development in the region, aligning with recent appeals from Gachagua’s allies, who have been advocating for the completion of unfinished projects.
"In the last election, Mt Kenya voted for development, and development, as we all know, comes through the Office of the President. When he visits next week, let our focus be on that development, not on the politics," the former Principal Secretary stated.
Before the KICC job, President Ruto appointed Nyakera as chair of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) on May 15, 2023, through a gazette notice after dissolving the previous KEMSA board and revoking the appointment of the chairperson. The appointment of Daniel Rono was revoked, with Rono having served in the role since March 2023.
The President had at the time enforced the changes in affirmation of the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to entrenching the ethos of good governance within Kenya's national life by promoting accountability and openness in the management of public affairs.
The changes came in response to the Global Fund being forced to cancel a Ksh3.7 billion mosquito nets tender owing to KEMSA's irregular procurement process.
Additionally, Nyakera was unanimously elected as the party leader of the Farmers Party of Kenya in February 2023.
After his time at the Transport Ministry, Nyakera took on the role of PS in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, where he managed issues concerning Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) located in Nairobi Central Business District. /FILE
