President William Ruto has made sweeping changes in leadership across key state institutions, revoking the appointment of former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura as Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
In a gazette notice dated August 29, 2025, the Head of State announced the appointment of James Kibugu Wambu as the new non-executive chairperson of the hospital’s board. Wambu will serve a three-year term, effective immediately.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint James Kibugu Wambu to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 29th August, 2025,” the notice read in part.
The move comes just eight months after Gitura’s appointment, which has now been rescinded. Gitura himself revealed on August 26 that his exit was influenced by political considerations. He admitted that he has never supported the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government and continues to oppose its policies. His ouster underscores the increasingly political nature of appointments in top state institutions.
Wambu’s appointment is expected to usher in fresh leadership at KUTRRH, a critical facility for specialized healthcare and research in the country. The hospital has been instrumental in training medical professionals and providing referral services at the national level.
Beyond KUTRRH, President Ruto also made other notable appointments. Pius Ang’asa was named a member of the Board of Directors at the Central Bank of Kenya, also for a three-year term starting August 29, 2025. At the Clinical Officers Council of Kenya, Joseph Choge was appointed as the new non-executive chairperson of the board. The council regulates clinical officers, a vital cadre in Kenya’s healthcare system that provides essential services at primary and secondary levels of care.
The appointments signal Ruto’s effort to consolidate leadership in strategic institutions by bringing in individuals aligned with his administration’s priorities. Observers will be watching closely to see how the new appointees steer their respective organizations in the coming years.
