President William Ruto has sacked former KTN presenter Kathleen Openda who was serving as chairperson for the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC).

At the same time, the President has appointed former police spokesman Charles Owino to take over Openda’s role at the KIMC for a period of one year. 

KIMC is a public institution of higher learning that offers journalism and communications courses.

The president revoked Openda’s appointment after serving as KIMC chair for five years.

In a gazette notice dated September 27, 2023, the President announced Owino’s appointment as well as the revocation of Kathleen Openda’s appointment. 

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (3) of the State Corporations Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Charles Owino Wahong’o to be the Chairperson of the Council to the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, with effect from the 29th September 2023 up to the 5th October 2024.”

“The appointment of Kathleen Openda is revoked,” read part of the gazette notice.

READ ALSO: Senator Gloria Orwoba survives 6-month Senate suspension

Before his appointment, Owino was serving as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Siaya County Coordinator. 

His appointment as UDA Siaya County Coordinator was announced by party secretary general Cleophas Malala on July 19, 2023.

READ ALSO: Ruto appoints former Trade CS Phillis Kandie as economic advisor

He took over the UDA role in Siaya from Dianga Waore who had been appointed the Chairman of Lake Region Development Authority.

Owino’s appointment may be linked to his active involvement in enhancing the delivery of UDA programs in a region perceived as an ODM stronghold.