Ruto Replaces Kembi Gitura as Kenyatta University Hospital Chair in Latest Appointments

Ruto Replaces Kembi Gitura as Kenyatta University Hospital Chair in Latest Appointments

President William Ruto has made sweeping changes in top government parastatals. Among the key shifts is the leadership of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).

In a gazette notice dated August 29, 2025, Ruto named James Kibugu Wambu as the new non-executive chairperson of the hospital’s board.

“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.

Exit of Kembi Gitura

The appointment comes after the exit of former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura. He resigned barely eight months after his appointment, citing political differences.

On August 26, Gitura openly explained his decision.

“I have never supported the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government. I continue to oppose its policies,” he declared.

His resignation opened the way for Ruto’s new appointee, a move seen as part of the President’s effort to strengthen influence in key state hospitals.

Other Parastatal Appointments

Ruto’s shake-up was not limited to the Kenyatta hospital. He also made new appointments in other state corporations.

At the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), he appointed Pius Ang’asa as a member of the board of directors. The term runs for three years starting August 29, 2025.

In the healthcare sector, Ruto tapped Joseph Choge to chair the Clinical Officers Council for the same three-year period. The council regulates clinical officers who form a critical backbone of Kenya’s health workforce.

Expanding Protest Victims Panel

The President further expanded the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests. He added John Maina, Churchill Suba, and Daki Guyo.

The notice confirmed Guyo’s designation as joint secretary of the panel.

“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,” read the announcement.

Political Undertones

While Ruto’s allies welcomed the appointments, critics say the changes reveal underlying political tensions. Gitura’s resignation highlights how politics continues to shape leadership in public institutions.

For now, all eyes are on James Kibugu Wambu to steer KUTRRH in a new direction.

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Ruto Replaces Kembi Gitura as Kenyatta University Hospital Chair in Latest Appointments