Confusion as Two Lay Claim to Ruto’s Appointment as CS for Lands

There was confusion on Tuesday after President William Ruto unveiled members of his Cabinet.

The head of state named Zachary Njeru Mwangi as the Cabinet Secretary for Lands. It was, however, not clear who the appointee was.

Media outlets had two individuals bearing the same name. One was a Nakuru businessman while the other was an elected Member of the Nyandarua County Assembly.

The businessman, while accepting his appointment, said he would work to sort out the lands issue starting with his home turf.

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“I am a good example of hustler. I was born at Bondeni Ward and I want to tell the world that  no matter where you come from or what you go through, everyone has potential to become anything in the world,” he said on Wednesday.

He added: “It is true there has been a problem with title deeds issuance (in Nakuru County) but once I take over the office, we shall know the stage that the matter has reached. I will take over from my predecessor and hasten to ensure every citizen gets justice.”

He also committed to prosecute cartels that have long plagued the Ministry and defrauded land owners and buyers out of millions of shillings.

“I as the CS of Lands, I know the task is not easy but I am confident working with God and you Nakuru people as well as the National Government, we shall make the Ministry thrive as it is supposed to,” he said during a presser.

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“In the Constitution, there are no cartels mentioned so we are the ones who permit them to operate. We shall task our officers to work properly,” he added.

Area governor Susan Kihika congratulated the businessman, noting that his appointment was a win for the county.

“Congratulations Zachary Mwangi Njeru (Zack Njeru) on your appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning. This is a win for Nakuru having a full Cabinet Secretary since independence. Thank you H.E. President Ruto for giving Nakuru County a full cabinet minister,” she said.

Also laying claim to the appointment was the MCA for Nyakio. He thanked the head of state for the appointment as he awaited official communication from Nairobi.

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“My name is Zachary Mwangi Njeru, MCA for Nyakio and the Deputy Speaker of Nyandarua. I have received information that my good friend President William Ruto has nominated me as the CS for Lands,” said the Ward Rep who doubles as the county assembly deputy speaker.

“I would like to say that on the issue of bottom-up, I am equal to the task and will be able to serve the people of Kenya, including Nyandarua, which is one of the counties that have experience challenges in terms of land. I am awaiting official communication from Nairobi.”

The Ward Rep holds a Diploma in County & Public Administration, Diploma in Bible Study & Leadership and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Public Administration.