The former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is a lucky man after President William Ruto appointed him to be a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

Waititu’s appointment comes a few days after Ruto pledged to appoint a Nairobi Rivers Commission to sort out the filth in rivers running in Nairobi County.

“By this Friday, I will be appointing a Nairobi Rivers Commission to sort out the filth in our rivers in Nairobi. If you look at the rivers in Nairobi, it is a sad story,” Ruto said.

In a gazette notice issued on Friday, Ruto named a 9-member commission chaired by Pamela Olet which shall ensure the protection, restoration, rehabilitation and beautification of the Nairobi Rivers and all water bodies within the Nairobi City County.


Read More

  1. What the PPP Act says about Ruto cancellation of Adani deals in Kenya
  2. Ruto unveils Taifa Care under SHA to advance UHC, to settle hospital debts
  3. All macroeconomic indicators point to a positive turnaround - President Ruto

“I William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the Constitution and the Laws of the Republic of Kenya do establish the Nairobi Rivers Commission,” the gazette notice read.

The following is the full list of members appointed to the Nairobi Rivers Commission: 

Pamela A. Olet (Dr.) - Chairperson;

Mumo Musuva (Dr.) - Representative from Nairobi City County:

Grace Senewa Mesopirr (Ms.) - Representing the Ministry of Environment and Forestry:

Eva Muhia (Ms.) - Representing Riverine Communities;

Elizabeth Wathuti (Ms.) - Representing Civil Society;

Carlota Dal Lago (Ms.) - Representing the Private Sector;

Eng. Elijah Biama (Prof) - Representing Academia;

Duncan Ojwang (Dr.) - Representing Academia;

Ferdinand Clifford N. W. Babayao (Hon.).

The members of the Nairobi Rivers Commission will hold office for a three-year term which they can renew based on their performance.

On January 29, 2020, Kiambu MCAs impeached Waititu over the misappropriation of public funds through the issuance of fraudulent procurement tenders to outsourced entities for services.


The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also moved to court to seek an injunction to seize Sh1.94 billion worth of assets owned and the court.

Following EACC's prayer, the High Court froze Waititu’s 18 prime properties and 7 vehicles pending the hearing and determination of the graft case the Commission filed against him.