Ex-Assistant Minister Bishop Margaret Wanjiru Quits Nairobi Rivers Commission

Former Housing assistant minister Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has issued a notice of stepping down as the Nairobi Rivers Commission chairperson.

In a letter addressed to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei , Wanjiru gave 30 days’ notice and said she would leave office on August 31.

“The time has come for me to move on and give my full attention to other work,” she said.

Wanjiru, a former Starehe MP, said her 20 months at the commission had been an important learning experience and thanked Koskei for giving her the opportunity to serve.

“During the 20 months that I have worked in NRC, I have learnt a lot, and I appreciate you for giving me this opportunity. This letter is therefore my 30 days’ notice of resignation. I will vacate office on Monday, August 31,” she said.

She asked that her replacement be appointed early enough to allow for a smooth transition and handover.

Wanjiru who lost her Nairobi senatorial bid on United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket to former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna also asked Koskei to convey her gratitude to President William Ruto for giving her the opportunity to lead the commission.

“Let him know I appreciate the opportunity he gave me, and hope we can collaborate on other matters in future,” she said.

The nature of the work Wanjiru intends to pursue after leaving the commission was not immediately clear. She did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comment.

 Ruto appointed Wanjiru chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission through a Gazette Notice dated October 25, 2024, after moving the commission from the Office of the President to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

He also appointed former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga as a member of the commission.

The appointments followed the nullification of Chief Administrative Secretary positions, after Wanjiru and Omanga had initially been appointed CASs in the ministries of Interior and Cooperatives, respectively.

Other members of the commission include Mumo Musuva, Grace Senewa Mesopirr, John Kioli, Eva Muhia, Amos Chege Mugo, Carlotta Dalago, Rael Chebichii Lelei, Benjamin Langwen, Charles Karisa Dadu and Millicent Omanga.