Samuel Muchina Nyaga, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate who recently contested the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, has been appointed as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission by President William Ruto.
The appointment was announced through a Special Gazette Notice issued on Wednesday and takes effect immediately.
Muchina will take over from Amos Chege Mugo, whose appointment to the commission has been revoked.His appointment comes just days after the highly watched Ol Kalou by-election, where he finished second in a contest that drew national political attention.
Muchina received 5,450 votes, while the seat was won by Sammy Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), who secured 35,440 votes.
The by-election became one of the most closely followed political contests in the country because it was widely seen as a test of influence between President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The race was held following the death of former Ol Kalou Member of Parliament David Kiaraho, creating the constituency’s first parliamentary contest since the 2022 General Election.
As a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Muchina will join a team tasked with coordinating efforts aimed at restoring, rehabilitating and managing the Nairobi River basin.
The commission plays a key role in overseeing environmental conservation activities and ensuring that laws and regulations governing the river basin are properly implemented.
The body is also responsible for working with stakeholders to develop guidelines and codes of conduct that support environmental protection and law enforcement efforts within the basin.
Its work is considered important in addressing pollution, improving sanitation and restoring the health of Nairobi’s river systems.
Muchina’s new role comes shortly after he revealed that President Ruto had assigned him additional responsibilities related to development projects in Ol Kalou.
Speaking after a meeting at State House on July 21, he said his commitment to serving residents remained strong despite losing the by-election.
He stated that leadership goes beyond winning an elective seat and involves ensuring that development reaches the people. According to Muchina, efforts to support ongoing government projects in the constituency will continue.
His appointment to the Nairobi Rivers Commission now places him in a national role focused on environmental management, while also keeping him involved in public service following the conclusion of the Ol Kalou by-election.
