Ruto Nominates Outgoing KRA Boss Wattanga as Ambassador

President William Ruto has nominated Former Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga, for a diplomatic role just days after his exit from the tax authority.

In a communication from the Executive Office of the President, President William Ruto nominated Wattanga as Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa, based in Pretoria.

The nomination, which has been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval, comes shortly after the Kenya Revenue Authority Board announced it would not renew Wattanga’s contract as Commissioner General, effectively ending his tenure at the helm of the tax agency.

The latest move signals a swift transition from domestic public service to diplomatic assignment for Wattanga, who had overseen tax administration and reforms at KRA.

Alongside Wattanga’s nomination, the President also proposed Julius Murori Mbijiwe as Ambassador to Vatican, while Irene Maswan and Judy Muthoni Njau were nominated as Deputy Ambassadors to the United Kingdom and European Union respectively.

“In fulfillment of the constitutional imperatives on the appointment of State officers, His Excellency the President has caused the transmittal of the nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval,” said Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service.

Wattanga’s redeployment comes at a time of leadership changes within KRA, where a new acting Commissioner General has already been appointed pending recruitment of a substantive office holder.

If approved by Parliament, Wattanga will take up the diplomatic post in Pretoria, representing Kenya’s interests in one of its key regional partners.

The nominations now await vetting and approval by lawmakers, in line with constitutional requirements for senior state appointments.