Following the appointment of Lee Kinyanjui as the Cabinet Secretary for Trade, there have been major leadership changes within the Ubuntu Peoples Forum (UPF).
Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu confirmed these changes and officially announced that Kinyanjui has stepped down from leading the party.
This transition marks the end of Kinyanjui’s formal role in the party he helped shape and grow. The announcement was made public through a gazette notice that listed the names of the new party leaders who are expected to guide UPF into the 2027 general elections.
Taking over from Kinyanjui is Samuel Kinya Rukahu, who will now lead the party. Rukahu is expected to bring fresh energy and vision as the UPF plans its political strategy for the coming years.
Despite the change at the top, some key figures within the party have maintained their positions. Erick Mburu Murage will still serve as Deputy Party Leader in charge of Finance and National Coordination.
His role is crucial as he will manage both the party’s budget and its national outreach efforts.
David Ngugi Mwaniki has also kept his position as the National Vice-Chairperson in charge of Operations. He will continue to work alongside Abdulahi Adan Mohammed and Murguya Wilson, both of whom will also retain their roles as National Vice-Chairpersons.
These retained positions suggest a level of continuity in the party’s leadership that might help UPF avoid the disruptions that often come with leadership shakeups.
One of the most notable new appointments is Beatrice Nyawira Wambugu, who will now serve as the Secretary-General. She takes over from Kinya and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the party and overseeing preparations for the next elections.
Peter Owour Onyango has also been brought in to replace Janniffer Wambui Mwangi as Deputy Secretary-General. Other new appointments include a National Organizing Secretary, Director of Elections, and several other national representatives whose names were not published in the gazette notice.
Ann Nderitu urged anyone with concerns about these leadership changes to write to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties within seven days from the date of the publication. This process allows anyone with legal or political objections a chance to voice them officially.
Lee Kinyanjui stepped aside from UPF leadership after accepting President Ruto’s offer to become the Cabinet Secretary for Trade.
During his vetting by Parliament, Kinyanjui told the lawmakers that he had already resigned from the party the moment he was nominated to join the Cabinet.
He expressed his emotional connection to the UPF and its philosophy of “I am because you are,” a principle rooted in Ubuntu thinking. Kinyanjui and his allies formed the UPF in 2021 after rebranding the older Citizens Convention Party.
In December 2021, he officially joined the party and described it as a platform dedicated to promoting human-centered values and leadership.
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