Ruto revokes appointment of Thuo Mathenge as KALRO chairperson
By Sharon Atieno, July 25, 2026President William Ruto has made fresh changes to the leadership of key State agencies, reappointing the chairperson of the National Irrigation Authority and revoking the appointment of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) chairperson.
The official state appointment was formally published in the Kenya Gazette on Friday, July 24, 2026, under Section 9 (1) (a) of the Irrigation Act and Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act. Ruto reappointed Gilbert Maluki as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the National Irrigation Authority Board for a three-year term.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, re-appoint GILBERT MALUKI (E NG .) as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the National Irrigation Authority Board, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 24th July,2026,” the gazette notice read.
KALRO chair dropped
In a separate notice, the president revoked the appointment of Dr Thuo Mathenge as Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation. The revocation took effect on July 24, 2026, under Section 6 (1) (a) of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act, as read 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, revoke the appointment of THUO M ATHENGE as the Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation with effect from the 24th July 2026,” the gazette notice read.
The Gazette notice did not give reasons for the revocation.
Fresh changes
The changes come as Ruto continues to make leadership changes across key State agencies.
The president also appointed former Bumula MP Moses Wekesa Mwambu Mabonga as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for a three-year term.
Mabonga, who was appointed in the same Gazette Notice, said he was grateful for the confidence placed in him and pledged to serve with integrity and professionalism.
“I fully appreciate the responsibility that comes with this office and pledge to serve with integrity, diligence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the people of Kenya,” Mabonga said.
He said he would work with the EPRA Board, management and industry stakeholders to strengthen the energy and petroleum sectors and support Kenya’s broader development agenda.