Ruto appoints UDA’s Samuel Muchina to Nairobi Rivers Commission days after Ol Kalou defeat
By Aloys Michael, July 22, 2026President William Ruto has appointed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga to the Nairobi Rivers Commission, days after his defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election.
Muchina, who contested the July 16 by-election on a UDA ticket, lost by a wide margin to Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau. His appointment to the commission comes amid calls from Kenya Kwanza allies for the President to assign him a role in government following the loss.
A special gazette notice dated July 22, 2026, confirmed Muchina’s appointment as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, replacing Amos Chege Mugo, whose appointment was revoked.
“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,” the notice reads.
The appointment comes shortly after Muchina lost the Ol Kalou contest to Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau, who secured a decisive victory in the by-election. The outcome marked a setback for the ruling party, which had invested heavily in retaining influence in the constituency.
However, days after the defeat, calls emerged from Kenya Kwanza supporters urging President Ruto to consider Muchina for a government role, citing his loyalty to the administration and his previous political engagement within UDA.
As a member of the commission, Muchina will oversee efforts to restore and rehabilitate the Nairobi River Basin through coordination with government agencies, county authorities, private sector stakeholders and civil society organisations.
His responsibilities will include supporting environmental restoration programmes, ensuring compliance with regulations, promoting public participation, and helping mobilise resources for long-term river conservation initiatives.
Owing to this appointment, Muchina also revealed on the morning of Wednesday, July 22, after he visited State House, that President Ruto tasked him to oversee all the developments that were kick-started during the campaign period, signalling that they will proceed despite the election outcomes.
Among the confirmed ongoing projects are 36 electrification initiatives across the constituency, housing construction for vulnerable families, and borehole completion in every ward. Other continuing works include the university project, JM Hospital’s Level 5 upgrade, plus the stadium and roads.