Why This Ex-Kibaki Minister Continues To Serve In Ruto Gov't Even After Hitting Almost 70 Years

Esther Murugi Mathenge, a seasoned politician and former cabinet minister under President Mwai Kibaki, continues to wield influence in Kenya’s current administration led by President William Ruto.

Her enduring presence in government highlights a rare political resilience, especially amid the shifting tides of leadership and party loyalty.

Murugi first entered Parliament in 2007 on a Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket, quickly earning the trust of President Kibaki.

She was appointed Minister for Special Programs in the Grand Coalition Government, which was formed between Kibaki and then Prime Minister Raila Odinga following the disputed 2007 elections.

Her tenure in the cabinet lasted until 2013, coinciding with Kibaki’s exit from office and the dissolution of the coalition.

In 2013, Murugi secured re-election as Nyeri Town MP, but her political journey faced a setback in 2017 when she lost the seat to Ngunjiri Wambugu.

However, her comeback was swift. In 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed her as a commissioner at the National Lands Commission (NLC), reaffirming her relevance in Kenya’s governance structures.

Despite President Ruto’s recent efforts to remove key appointees from the previous regime, Murugi has retained her position at the NLC.

Her survival is attributed to her classification as a State Officer—a category that includes roles such as commissioners, cabinet secretaries, and members of independent commissions—whose retirement age is not strictly defined.

This has allowed her to continue serving in public office even after surpassing the age of 65.

Murugi’s career reflects the complexities of Kenya’s political landscape, where experience, strategic alliances, and institutional roles often outweigh party dynamics.