Political tremors are rippling through Kenya’s Mt. Kenya region after the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, John Mbadi, ordered the immediate removal of Purity Wangui Ngirici from her position as Director and Chairperson of the Kenya Seed Company board.
The directive, contained in a letter dated April 30, 2026, cites provisions within the company’s Articles of Association as the legal basis for her dismissal. However, the timing of the decision has sparked intense political debate and speculation across the country.
Ngirici’s removal came just a day after she made a dramatic political shift during a public rally on April 29, where she openly distanced herself from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. In a move that has rattled the ruling coalition’s support base in Central Kenya, she went further to endorse opposition-aligned sentiments and led chants calling for a one-term presidency.
Shortly after receiving the dismissal letter, Ngirici shared it publicly, captioning it with the phrase “Yangu macho tu!!”—a Swahili expression loosely translating to “My eyes only,” widely interpreted as a sarcastic response to the unfolding events.
The development has fueled speculation that her removal may be politically motivated, particularly as tensions continue to simmer in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ngirici, a former Kirinyaga Woman Representative and influential political figure in the region, has recently aligned herself with emerging political factions challenging the current administration.
Observers note that her departure from UDA and her association with the growing “one-term” political movement could signal shifting allegiances within a region traditionally considered a key support base for the government.
Online reactions and political commentary have been swift, with some voices suggesting the move was a calculated attempt to neutralize her influence, while others argue it was a routine administrative decision, especially given claims that her term on the board was nearing its end.
Despite these differing interpretations, the incident highlights the increasingly blurred line between corporate governance in state-linked entities and Kenya’s highly charged political environment.
Yangu macho tu!! pic.twitter.com/kl11Mqkifu
— Wangui Ngirici (@WanguiNgirici) May 1, 2026
The National Treasury of Kenya has yet to issue a detailed public explanation beyond the formal letter, leaving room for further scrutiny and public discourse.
As the situation continues to evolve, Ngirici’s removal is likely to remain a focal point in Kenya’s political conversation, particularly in the context of early realignments and power struggles shaping the road to the next general election.
Whether administrative or political, the decision underscores the high stakes at play—and the speed at which political shifts can translate into institutional consequences.
