Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s sister, Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oranga, are among those who have secured prestigious parastatal roles in appointments made yesterday by President William Ruto.
Kidero was named Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). At the same time, Dr. Wenwa is the new Chairperson of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). Both appointments are for a three-year term.
Kidero, who lost to Mike Sonko in the 2017 Nairobi gubernatorial race, had been sidelined politically after Gladys Wanga thwarted his unsuccessful bid to become Homa Bay Governor in 2022. He later aligned himself with President Ruto, emerging as one of his key Nyanza allies. However, his prospects seemed uncertain after Raila and Ruto brokered a deal last year to end mass protests over the high cost of living.
Kidero’s appointment signals a shift in the political landscape, showing it may no longer be considered political suicide to back Kenya Kwanza in Raila’s stronghold, especially after prominent ODM leaders joined Ruto’s broad-based Cabinet.
Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga’s Accomplishments
Dr Wenwa, who holds a PhD in Organic/Natural Products Chemistry from the University of Nairobi (UoN), has a distinguished career in academia and public service. She has served as:
- A senior lecturer at UoN for over a decade.
- A board member of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
- Kenya’s Consul-General in Los Angeles, USA.
- A member of the Homa Bay County Revenue Board.
- While her qualifications are impressive, political analysts suggest her appointment could reflect strategic political balancing.
Other Key Appointments
The Kenya Gazette dated November 15, 2024, lists several other notable appointments:
- Lawrence Thongoro Kuria, Chairman of the Hydrologists Registration Board.
- Dr. Nuh Nassir Abdi – Chairman, Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre.
- Dr. Thuo Mathenge – Chairman, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
- Mark Lomunokol – Chairman, Sports Kenya.
- Teobald Mukundi Wambugu– Chairman, Tana Water Works Development Agency.
- Anab Mohamed Gure– Chairperson, Nairobi Rivers Commission.
- Mark Kosgei Chesorgon – Reappointed Chairman, Kerio Valley Development Authority.
These appointments reflect a mix of technocratic merit and political manoeuvring as Ruto reshapes the leadership of key public institutions.
