NCIC Fires Gachagua’s Ally Wambui Nyutu As Vice Chair Over Partisan Politics

National commission acts decisively against political involvement by senior official

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has dismissed Vice Chairperson Wambui Nyutu with immediate effect, citing her persistent involvement in partisan political activities that violated her oath of office and statutory obligations.

The dramatic firing of Nyutu, a prominent ally of Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, came after a Special Commission Meeting on Tuesday where commissioners unanimously voted to remove her from the position.

Nyiri and Gachagua in a past interaction.

NCIC Chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia announced that the commission could no longer tolerate Nyutu’s conduct, which had become “untenable” and incompatible with the impartiality required of commissioners.

“The Commission unanimously resolved to relieve Ms. Nyutu of her role as Vice Chairperson of the Commission with immediate effect,” Kobia stated in an official release.

The dismissal follows months of mounting concern over Nyutu’s political activities, with the commission having previously convened three special meetings on January 3, January 23, and February 6 specifically to address her conduct following public remarks and appearances deemed politically partisan.

Initially, Nyutu denied the allegations but later issued an apology and formally promised to avoid political activities.

However, the commission determined this commitment was short-lived.

“At its meeting on July 22, 2025, the Commission noted with deep concern that Ms. Wambui Nyutu has since been involved in partisan political activities, including participation in meetings affiliated with a particular political party,” Rev. Kobia explained.

The chairperson emphasized that such actions constituted “continued engagement in partisan politics, in contravention of her commitment to the Commission and in breach of the expectations of impartiality required of all Commissioners.”

In a seamless transition, the commission immediately elected Dr. Dorcas Kedogo as the new Vice Chairperson, ensuring continuity in leadership structure.

The NCIC has also initiated formal processes to remove Nyutu entirely from her role as Commissioner, invoking Section 23 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act and other constitutional mechanisms. The relevant appointing authority will be formally notified of these proceedings.

Nyutu’s close association with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had drawn significant attention.

She has been frequently spotted at rallies and events organized by Gachagua and is considered a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration.

The timing of her dismissal is particularly significant as political tensions continue to simmer between different factions within Kenya’s political landscape.

Despite her political controversies, Nyutu brings substantial professional credentials to her roles.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution.

Her qualifications extend to specialized dispute resolution, with certifications as a Professional Mediator from the Mediation Training Institute East Africa and in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Prior to her NCIC appointment in 2019, Nyutu served as a Director at the National Irrigation Board of Kenya and held various legal positions. In 2018, she received the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) from then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The NCIC has moved quickly to distance itself from Nyutu’s political statements, clarifying that any such pronouncements were made in her personal capacity and do not reflect the commission’s official position.

Rev. Kobia reinforced the institution’s commitment to neutrality, stating that “The NCIC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of impartiality, integrity, and professionalism in the execution of its mandate. Commissioners are bound by the oath of office to remain independent and non-partisan.”

This dismissal sends a clear message about the boundaries of political engagement for public officials serving in constitutional commissions.

It underscores the delicate balance required between personal political views and official duties in Kenya’s democratic framework.

The move also highlights ongoing tensions within Kenya’s political establishment, particularly between supporters of President Ruto and allies of former Deputy President Gachagua.

As the NCIC moves forward under new leadership, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of institutional independence in maintaining public trust and democratic governance.

The commission’s decisive action demonstrates its commitment to upholding the constitutional principles of neutrality and professionalism that are fundamental to its mandate of promoting national cohesion and integration.