President William Ruto has appointed former Devolution Principal Secretary and Coast Regional Commissioner Nelson Marwa as the new chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission for a three-year term.
According to Gazette Notice No. 16248 dated October 16, 2026, Marwa’s appointment took effect on the same date. The notice also revoked the appointment of former chairperson Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.
The notice was issued under Article 131 of the Constitution and Section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.
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“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 131 of the Constitution, as read with section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Nelson Marwa to be the Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 16th October, 2026. The appointment of Margaret Wanjiru is revoked,” the notice states.
Wanjiru, a city politician, televangelist and presiding bishop of Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM), was appointed chairperson of the commission in October 2024.
Her appointment coincided with the restructuring of the agency, which was placed under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
In August 2026, Wanjiru reportedly submitted a 30-day resignation notice to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, indicating her intention to leave the position by August 31 to focus on other engagements.
The October 16 Gazette notice subsequently formalised the revocation of her appointment.
During her tenure, Wanjiru was tasked with leading multi-sectoral efforts to restore the Nairobi River Basin, which spans Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Makueni counties.
The commission’s work includes coordinating environmental restoration, addressing pollution and supporting the rehabilitation of the river basin.
Marwa now assumes leadership of the commission, with responsibility for coordinating efforts to restore the Nairobi River Basin and improve the environmental health of the capital and surrounding areas.
His appointment comes as the government continues to pursue initiatives aimed at addressing pollution and rehabilitating urban waterways.
The supplied report also notes that Ruto previously appointed Samuel Muchina, a former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, to the commission, revoking the term of Amos Chege Mugo.
Marwa will serve as chairperson for three years, beginning October 16, 2026.
