President William Ruto has made fresh changes in the leadership of several state parastatals, with one of the key shifts taking place at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
In a Gazette notice issued on August 29, 2025, President Ruto announced the appointment of James Kibugu Wambu as the new non-executive chairperson of the KUTRRH board. Wambu will serve in the role for a three-year term, effective from August 29, 2025.
“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,” read part of the official notice.
Change in Leadership at KUTRRH
Wambu’s appointment comes shortly after the exit of former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura, who had been serving as the hospital’s board chairperson. Gitura’s appointment was revoked following his decision to step down.
On August 26, Gitura revealed that he was resigning due to political reasons. He explained that his personal beliefs and political stance did not align with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government.
Gitura openly stated that he has never supported the UDA administration and continues to disagree with its policies, making it difficult for him to continue in the leadership role at the state-owned health institution.
His resignation created a leadership gap at KUTRRH, one of the country’s most important referral hospitals, which President Ruto has now filled with the appointment of James Kibugu Wambu.
Other Key Appointments in State Institutions
Apart from the changes at KUTRRH, President Ruto also announced several other appointments across different state corporations and organisations.
- At the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK): Ruto appointed Pius Ang’asa as a member of the CBK Board of Directors. Ang’asa will also serve for a term of three years, starting August 29, 2025.
- At the Clinical Officers Council of Kenya: The Head of State appointed Joseph Choge as the non-executive chairperson of the council’s board for a three-year term beginning on the same date. The council is a key regulatory body that oversees the work and standards of clinical officers, who play a central role in providing healthcare services across the country.
Expansion of the Protest Victims Compensation Panel
In addition, the President expanded the membership of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests.
Through an addendum to a previous gazette notice, Ruto named John Maina, Churchill Suba, and Daki Guyo as new members of the panel. Notably, Guyo was also appointed as joint secretary of the committee.
The notice stated:
“It is notified for the general information of the public that, further to the appointment of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests as published vide Gazette Notice No. 12002 of 2025, the additional persons have been appointed to the membership of the Panel as stated.”
Wider Implications
These changes highlight President Ruto’s continued effort to place new leaders in strategic positions across critical state institutions.
The appointments come at a time when public hospitals, financial regulators, and healthcare councils are under pressure to improve service delivery, accountability, and efficiency.
By appointing individuals like Wambu, Ang’asa, and Choge, Ruto is expected to strengthen governance in these institutions, while the expansion of the protest victims’ compensation panel signals the government’s intention to address issues surrounding public demonstrations more comprehensively.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
