Former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka has turned down President William Ruto’s appointment as head of the Animal Genetic Resource Centre.
In a statement, Munyaka explained that he is declining the position due to the current political climate. “I learned of my appointment as chairman of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre through a Kenya Gazette notice dated October 3, 2024.
“After careful reflection and extensive consultations, I have made the difficult decision to respectfully decline this appointment, considering the current political environment that poses challenges to the government’s economic transformation agenda,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the President for the trust placed in him. “Thank you once again for considering me for this position. I wish you and your administration success in leading our country.”
Had he accepted the role, Munyaka would have served as the AGRC chair for three years. Previously, Ruto had nominated him as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development, but that nomination was ruled unconstitutional by the court.
Munyaka lost his bid for re-election in the 2022 general election, running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, to Caleb Mule of the Maendeleo Chap Chap party, which is associated with Labour CS Alfred Mutua.
