President William Ruto has tapped James Kibugu Wambu as the new non-executive chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), following a shake-up in leadership at the institution.
The appointment, announced in a gazette notice dated August 29, 2025, takes effect immediately and will run for three years.
This move comes just days after former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura stepped down from the post, less than a year into his tenure. Gitura, who had been appointed in December 2024, cited political conflict as the reason for his resignation, saying he could not align with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“I have never supported the UDA administration and continue to oppose its policies,” Gitura said on August 26 while confirming his decision to quit.
With Wambu stepping in, the government is seeking fresh leadership at one of the country’s premier referral and research hospitals, a facility critical to Kenya’s health system.
