The Kenya African National Union (KANU) has appointed 27-year-old Mercy Wanyeki as its new National Executive Director, making history as she becomes the first woman to hold the office in the party's history.
In a statement on Friday, August 7, the party said the decision reflects its commitment to promoting young leaders and advancing gender equality within its leadership structures.
"Hon. Gideon Moi has appointed Mercy Wanyeki, 27, as KANU National Executive Director, making her the first woman to hold the office. The appointment reinforces the party's commitment to reform, youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and institutional renewal," the statement read.
KANU noted that Wanyeki brings significant experience to her new role, having previously served as the party's Director of Finance and Administration as well as Assistant International Relations Officer, where she played a key role in internal reforms.
"Having served as Director of Finance and Administration and Assistant International Relations Officer, Mercy has been critical to KANU's restructuring and reorganization efforts," the statement added.
Read More
The party further credited her with helping modernize its operations, attracting younger members, and representing KANU in both regional and international engagements.
"She has helped attract a new generation of members, strengthened party operations, and proudly represented KANU in regional and international engagements," the statement further read.
According to KANU, Wanyeki's promotion is recognition of her leadership, dedication, and contribution to the party's transformation.
"Her elevation reflects confidence in a young leader who has consistently demonstrated competence, commitment, and a vision for the future of the party. It also marks a historic milestone for KANU as it continues to open leadership opportunities to young people and women," the statement concluded.
This comes days after Pauline Njoroge explained the reason behind her decision to leave the Jubilee Party.
Speaking on Monday, August 3, she said the move was aimed at allowing her to focus entirely on political engagements under the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Njoroge explained that the decision was aimed at avoiding splitting her time and attention between the activities of the former ruling party and those of Linda Mwananchi.
"I left Jubilee because I did not want my attention divided between Jubilee activities and Linda Mwananchi activities. I needed to dedicate myself fully to Linda Mwananchi," she said.
Njoroge announced her resignation from Jubilee on Tuesday, July 21, confirming that it takes effect immediately.
"I therefore wish to announce my resignation from the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Jubilee Party, where I have served as Deputy Organizing Secretary, and as a member of the Jubilee Party, effective today," she wrote.
Njoroge said she will dedicate herself to the Linda Mwananchi team, saying the movement offers a platform to advance the aspirations of a new generation of Kenyans through good governance, constitutionalism, accountability and servant leadership.
"It is for this reason that I have made the difficult but deeply considered decision to dedicate myself fully to this cause. In doing so, I bring to a close a remarkable fourteen-year chapter in a party that has been my political home," she added.
