Ruto nominates ex-KRA Commissioner General Wattanga as ambassador
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 9, 2026President William Ruto has nominated several officials to serve in Kenya’s foreign missions, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s diplomatic presence abroad.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei said the changes form part of a routine transition within Kenya’s foreign service.
“These postings arise from the regular cycle of succession within Kenya’s missions abroad and to support the expansion of the nation’s diplomatic footprint,” Koskei said.
The nominations include former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga, who has been posted to Pretoria as Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa. His nomination came just hours after the KRA Board confirmed he would leave office and proceed on terminal leave.
KRA Board Chair Ndiritu Muriithi said Wattanga’s exit marks the start of a leadership transition at the tax authority. The Board also appointed Lilian Nyawanda as Acting Commissioner General pending the recruitment of a substantive office holder.
Diplomatic nominations
Wattanga, who took over at KRA in August 2023, has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance. Before joining the tax authority, he worked in investment banking and served as Commissioner and Vice Chair at the Commission on Revenue Allocation.
President Ruto has also nominated Julius Murori Mbijiwe as Ambassador to the Vatican, formally known as the Holy See.
At the same time, Ambassador Irene Maswan and Ambassador Judy Muthoni Njau have been nominated as deputy envoys to the United Kingdom and Belgium, respectively. Njau will serve in Brussels, which hosts key European Union institutions.
Koskei said the nominations have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, as required by the Constitution.
“In fulfilment of the constitutional imperatives on the appointment of State officers, His Excellency the President has caused the transmittal of the nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament,” he said.