Nairobi Rivers Commission Chairperson Margaret Wanjiru has formally notified Head of Public Service Felix Koskei of her decision to resign, stating that she is ready to move on and shift her focus to other endeavors.
In an official letter, the former Starehe MP provided a 30-day notice, specifying that she will step down on August 31.
“The time has come for me to move on and give my full attention to other work,” she said.
Reflecting on her tenure, Wanjiru described her 20 months at the helm of the commission as an important learning journey and expressed gratitude to Koskei for the opportunity.
“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.
To ensure a seamless transition, she urged the government to appoint her successor early. She also asked Koskei to extend her appreciation to President William Ruto.
“Let him know I appreciate the opportunity he gave me and hope we can collaborate on other matters in the future,” she said.
While Wanjiru did not reveal her immediate plans, her departure fuels widespread speculation regarding a potential return to elective politics as political figures gear up for the upcoming 2027 General Election.
President Ruto appointed Wanjiru to lead the commission via a Gazette Notice on October 25, 2024, following an executive restructuring that transferred the body from the Office of the President to the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.
That appointment replaced Pamela Olet and coincided with the selection of former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga as a commission member. Both appointments came after courts nullified their earlier selections as Chief Administrative Secretaries in the Interior and Cooperatives ministries, respectively. Omanga ultimately declined her role, citing personal reasons.
Wanjiru’s tenure also featured internal friction, notably a high-profile dispute with Commission Chief Executive Officer Brigadier (Rtd) Joseph Muracia over allegations of misconduct, corruption, and nepotism. Senior government officials eventually mediated the rift, allowing both leaders to resume their duties.
