William Ruto appoints Ol Kalou by-election candidate Samuel Muchina as member of Nairobi Rivers Commission

NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has appointed Samuel Muchina Nyaga as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commissioner.

Muchina’s appointment came days after he lost in the just-concluded Ol Kalou by-election, garnering 5,450 votes, way below the winner’s 35,440 votes.

The United Democratic Movement (UDA) candidate’s appointment takes effect on July 22, 2026.

In a gazette notice dated July 22, 2026, Ruto said Muchina will take over from Chege Mugo, whose appointment was revoked.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that, pursuant to Gazette Notice No. 13907 of 2024, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint- Samuel Muchina Nyaga to be a Member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, with effect from the 22nd July, 2026. The *appointment of Amos Chege Mugo is revoked,” read the notice in part.

What is Muchina’s new role?

As a member of the Nairobi River Commission, Muchina will oversee the restoration and rehabilitation of the river, which is currently underway, in collaboration with the government, county government and relevant stakeholders.

The Nairobi River Commission was appointed to reclaim the rivers of Nairobi as a spine to the city’s blue and green infrastructure for a better urban environment and quality of life.

The commission also examines previous reports and recommendations made in the efforts of reclaiming the Nairobi River and adopts lessons learnt in the new initiative.