On Tuesday, September 27, President Elect William Ruto unveiled members of his inner circle, including Cabinet Secretaries, who would occupy his 25-member Cabinet.
Of note, however, was his appointee to take over operations at the all powerful Ministry of Lands. The appointee was named Zachary Mwangi Njeru.
Soon after, a media circus erupted with different outlets presenting different faces. The first was a member of the Nyandarua County Assembly (MCA) while the other was a Nakuru businessman.
On Wednesday, September 28, the Nakuru businessman accepted the role noting that he would work tirelessly to sought out the land issues countrywide, with Nakuru being among the most affected.
"I am a good example of hustler. I was born at Bondeni Ward and I want to tell the world that no matter where you come from or what you go through, everyone has potential to become anything in the world.
"It is true there has been a problem with title deeds issuance (in Nakuru County) but once I take over the office, we shall know the stage that the matter has reached. I will take over from my predecessor and hasten to ensure every citizen gets justice," he told the press.
He further vowed to relentlessly pursue cartels that have hit the Ministry for decades and scammed land owners and buyers millions throughout the years.
"I as the CS of Lands, I know the task is not easy but I am confident working with God and you Nakuru people as well as the National Government, we shall make the Ministry thrive as it is supposed to.
"In the Constitution, there are no cartels mentioned so we are the ones who permit them to operate. We shall task our officers to work properly," he added.
Soon after his announcement, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika congratulated him noting that his appointment was a win for the County.
"Congratulations Zachary Mwangi Njeru (Zack Njeru) on your appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning. This is a win for Nakuru having a full Cabinet Secretary since independence. Thank you H.E. President Ruto for giving Nakuru County a full Cabinet Minister," she celebrated.
Before his statement, however, another politician named Zachary Njeru had recorded himself thanking the Head of State and his deputy for selecting him.
He won the Nyakio MCA seat under the UDA party and serves as the Nyandarua County Deputy Speaker.
“My name is Zachary Mwangi Njeru, MCA for Nyakio and the Deputy Speaker of Nyandarua. I have received information that my good friend President William Ruto has nominated me as the CS for Lands.
"I would like to say that on the issue of bottom-up, I am equal to the task and will be able to serve the people of Kenya, including Nyandarua, which is one of the counties that have experience challenges in terms of land. I am awaiting official communication from Nairobi," celebrated the MCA.
Njeru holds a Diploma in County & Public Administration, Diploma in Bible Study & Leadership and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Public Administration.
His role at the Nyandarua County Assembly extends to the Legal Affairs, Labour, Intergovernmental Relations and Coordination, Powers and privileges, Transport, Energy and Public Works Committees where he serves as a member.
The new Lands CS will take over from former journalist Faridah Karoney who was appointed to the sensitive docket in 2018 by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Prior to her appointment, Faridah was was the Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Media Services - RMS.
