President William Ruto has made a surprise shake-up at the top of the Communications Authority of Kenya, removing his close ally Mary Wambui, famously known as Wambui wa Ruto, and replacing her with Charles Kamau Karondo, a young political insider with a fast-rising profile.
The change was made official through a gazette notice on Friday, August 8. Karondo, who once worked as a Personal Assistant (PA) to Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, will serve as the new non-executive Chairperson of the Communications Authority Board for a three-year term.
Karondo is no stranger to politics. He first gained national attention as a student leader at Mount Kenya University (MKU), where he became known for his sharp political skills and leadership energy. He later became an aide to Ndindi Nyoro during a period when Nyoro was openly clashing with President Ruto’s political strategies.
Although it is not clear exactly when Karondo worked for Nyoro, his political journey took a major turn when he joined Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2022 General Election. His loyalty to the party was noticed, and after Ruto’s victory, Karondo was appointed Chairperson of the Athi Water Works Agency in 2022, making him one of Kenya’s youngest state board chairs.
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The latest appointment has now pushed out Mary Wambui, a billionaire businesswoman and long-time supporter of Ruto. She had been appointed to the Communications Authority in December 2022, replacing Gilbert Kibe after his retirement. Wambui’s entry into the role, however, was surrounded by controversy.
When she took office, Wambui was battling a Ksh2.2 billion tax evasion case in court. She had been accused of failing to declare income for her company between 2014 and 2019, facing eight criminal counts in total. Her appointment sparked public debate and even faced a legal challenge from an activist who sought to block her from taking up the position.
The legal drama took a twist in January 2023 when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped all charges against her. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had claimed she owed over Ksh2.2 billion in unpaid taxes, but the case was eventually withdrawn.
Despite her legal troubles being cleared, her tenure at the Communications Authority has now come to an abrupt end. In his official notice, President Ruto made it clear: “The appointment of Mary Wambui Mungai is revoked.” He then confirmed Karondo’s appointment in the same statement.
This decision marks another chapter in the shifting power dynamics around President Ruto. Wambui, once celebrated as one of his most loyal backers during the 2022 presidential race, now finds herself sidelined. Political watchers are already speculating whether this move signals a broader realignment within Ruto’s circle.
For Karondo, the appointment is a major boost to his already impressive career. As chairperson, he will oversee critical national functions. The Communications Authority regulates licensing in the telecoms and broadcasting industry, manages cyber security frameworks, and drives Kenya’s e-commerce development.
The role also places Karondo in a powerful position within Kenya’s technology and communications landscape, at a time when the sector is rapidly expanding and playing an increasingly important role in the economy. He will be tasked with ensuring that the country’s digital infrastructure meets global standards while balancing the interests of government, business, and the public.
For Ruto, replacing Wambui with Karondo sends a clear message about his willingness to make bold political moves, even when it involves removing close allies. For Karondo, it’s a chance to prove that youth and political agility can hold their own at the highest levels of government.
As the dust settles on this unexpected change, all eyes will be on the young appointee to see how he navigates the high-stakes world of communications regulation, and whether he can leave his mark as one of the most influential voices in Kenya’s digital future.
