Ruto Hands Ex-Governor Samboja Major Comeback with Top State Job: ‘From Pulpit to Pyrethrum Power’
The appointment was announced through a Gazette Notice, placing Samboja at the helm for three years.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the State Corporations Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya… appoint Granton Samboja to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya, for a period of three (3) years,” read the notice.
This appointment marks a powerful political return for Samboja, who lost his seat in 2022 and transitioned back into media and ministry.
From Governor to Gospel to Government
Samboja’s journey is nothing short of dramatic.
After serving as Taita Taveta’s second governor from 2017 to 2022, he faced political storms. In a heated session, 30 out of 33 MCAs voted to impeach him, citing gross misconduct and misuse of funds.
However, the Senate cleared him, allowing him to finish his term.
Following defeat in the 2022 general election by Andrew Mwadime, Samboja returned to his media roots. He now hosts a gospel show on Anguo FM, a station he owns, and serves as a preacher.
Now, just two years later, Ruto has placed him in charge of a key state corporation.
More Appointments: Military and Policy Heavyweights Step In
Samboja’s appointment wasn’t the only surprise.
President Ruto also named former Lieutenant General Adan Mulata as the Chair of the National Youth Service (NYS) Council, also for three years.
Mulata, currently Executive Chairman of Peace Prospect Institute-Africa, brings military muscle and strategic policy depth. He previously helped lead anti-terrorism efforts, national election security, and multi-agency operations.
Notably, Mulata survived the 1982 attempted coup, refusing to fly a military helicopter for rebel leader Hezekiah Ochuka, who had ordered his execution.
Board Shake-Up Continues
In another key change, John Mwangi Karondo joins the State Corporations Advisory Committee. His entry revokes Joseph Kimani Machiri’s appointment.
Why These Appointments Matter
These selections are not just about names—they signal Ruto’s trust in tested resilience.
Samboja, despite past controversies, has remained vocal and visible. His reentry into public service could reshape how revived state firms function under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
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Ruto Hands Ex-Governor Samboja Major Comeback with Top State Job: ‘From Pulpit to Pyrethrum Power’
