Ruto Makes Fresh State Appointments, Names New Chairperson After Firing Gachagua Ally

President William Ruto has appointed Benson Gichohi Ngure as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), days after revoking the appointment of former chairperson Thuo Mathenge.

According to a Gazette Notice dated August 7, 2026, Ruto appointed Benson Ngure to head KALRO with effect from the same date.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 6 (1) (a) of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint BENSON GICHOHI NGURE to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, with effect from the 7th August 2026,” read part of the notice.

Ruto Appoints Benson Ngure As New KALRO Chairperson

Benson Ngure takes over the leadership of the organisation following the departure of Mathenge, whose appointment was revoked by the President on July 24, 2026.

Also Read: Ruto Issues 4 Directives to All Govt Agencies, Including Salary Increase for Private Security

Ruto revoked Mathenge’s appointment through a Gazette Notice published on July 24, 2026, without naming a successor at the time.

Subsequently, Mathenge claimed that his removal was linked to his support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“Ruto has removed me as KALRO chairman over my support for Rigathi Gachagua, but my position stands firm; true leadership is built on conviction, not intimidation,” Mathenge stated.

In addition, days after losing his position,  the former chairperson was received into Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, where he announced to be eyeing the Nyeri gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

Lucy Waruingi Reappointed to Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund

Following his entry into the party, Gachagua described him as someone who represented both the present and the future of Kenya.

The DCP party leader also said the DCP had evolved into a formidable political movement that would shape the country’s future.

Also Read: Ruto Responds to Claims IDs Are Being Issued Unnecessarily to Secure Second Term

Ruto has also reappointed Lucy W. Waruingi as the Chairperson of the Governing Board of the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund for a period of three years.

According to the gazette notice, the reappointment takes effect from August 7, 2026.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 23 (2) (a) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, re-appoint—LUCY W. WARUINGI as the Chairperson of the Governing Board of the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 7th August, 2026,” the notice reads.

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A photo of BENSON GICHOHI NGURE, newly appointed chairperson of KALRO, speaking at the burial in Nyeri County. PHOTO/ File