William Ruto Appoints Ex-Taita Taveta Governor to State Job

• President William Ruto has come to the rescue of former Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja, who has disappeared from the public limelight
• Samboja was routed in the 2022 elections when he returned to the ballot to defend his seat, having been elected for the first time in 2017
• President William Ruto appointed him the non-executive board chairman of the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya.

Former Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja has made a return to public service after receiving a state appointment from President William Ruto.

Which role did Ruto appoint Granton Samboja to?

Samboja, who led Taita Taveta County from 2017 to 2022, was unsuccessful in his bid for re-election in the 2022 general election. However, he has now been appointed to the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya.

According to a gazette notice published on Friday, May 23, the president named Samboja as the non-executive board chairman of the agency for a three-year term.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6 (1) (a) of the State Corporations Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, 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, with effect from the 23rd May, 2025," the notice read.

Samboja, who has an extensive background in the media, was trounced in the Taita Taveta gubernatorial race as he sought to retain his seat.

He lost to the current governor, Andrew Mwadime, who, until his election, was the MP for Mwatate.

Samboja was elected governor in 2017 on a Jubilee Party ticket, succeeding John Mrutu, who was the pioneer governor elected in 2013.

In other news, the president recently appointed Professor Makau Mutua to his team of advisors.

Which role did William Ruto appoint Makau Mutua for?

The president appointed Mutua as his senior advisor on constitutional affairs, emphasising that Mutua's guidance will align with the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda (BETA).

Ruto highlighted Mutua’s extensive background in legal, constitutional, and human rights issues.

Upon accepting the role, Mutua pledged to serve with dedication and integrity.

He acknowledged the importance of his position, stressing that the constitution remains a central pillar of the president’s governance framework.

Mutua, previously the dean of Buffalo School of Law in the United States, has long been recognised as a close associate of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

He played a key role in Raila’s campaign teams during both the 2022 presidential election and his recent bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship—both unsuccessful attempts.

Who else did Ruto appoint from Raila's fold?

Mutua's appointment adds to the growing number of Raila’s allies securing influential positions in Ruto’s administration.

Just days earlier, Ruto named Raila’s nephew, Jaoko Oburu Odinga, as his special advisor on economic empowerment.

Jaoko announced his appointment on X, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve and thanking both Ruto and Raila for their confidence in him

Source: TUKO.co.ke