Captain (Rtd) Kung’u Muigai, a cousin of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has been promoted to Chairperson of the Kenya Cultural Centre Council, just two weeks after his initial appointment as a member.
The announcement was made by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage.
The gazette notice dated February 10, 2025, confirmed that Muigai will serve a two-year term as the chairperson of the council.
Muigai’s swift promotion has raised eyebrows, especially since his previous appointment was nullified by the High Court less than a month ago.
The court ruling had questioned the legality of his selection, leading to the cancellation of his membership in the council. However, despite this legal challenge, the government has now not only reinstated him but also elevated him to the highest position in the organization.
This move signals strong backing from the administration, demonstrating that the leadership values his role in the council regardless of past legal obstacles.
Muigai’s reappointment comes at a time when political alignments continue to shape key government positions.
Being a close relative of former President Kenyatta, his rise to chairperson brings questions about whether political connections played a role in his selection.
His appointment also adds to the ongoing debate on how government positions are distributed, with critics arguing that family ties and political influence still carry weight in appointments.
As chairperson of the Kenya Cultural Centre Council, Muigai is expected to oversee policies and initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving Kenya’s diverse cultural heritage. His leadership will influence how cultural programs are designed and implemented, as well as how government resources are allocated to the arts and heritage sector.
The council plays a crucial role in ensuring that Kenya’s traditions, arts, and historical narratives are preserved and celebrated, making this position highly influential in shaping the country’s cultural policies.
It remains to be seen how Muigai will handle his new responsibilities, especially given the controversy surrounding his appointment.
Supporters believe he has the experience and background needed to drive the council’s agenda forward.
However, critics question whether his selection was purely based on merit or if political considerations were at play.
The decision to promote him so quickly after a court ruling raises concerns about whether due process was followed in the appointment process.
With his two-year term now confirmed, Muigai will have to prove that he is the right person for the job. His leadership will be watched closely, especially by those who feel that cultural institutions should be led by individuals with strong expertise in arts and heritage rather than those with political ties.
His success or failure in this role will determine whether his appointment was justified or simply another case of political favoritism.
