President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya’s next Data Commissioner, a move that has drawn criticism from legal analyst Ndengwa Njiru. Njiru questioned Ruto’s adherence to his “Usawa ni Sawa” slogan, which promotes unity and equality, following the announcement. The nomination was shared on X on November 10, 2026, by Njiru, who highlighted perceived contradictions between Ruto’s messaging and the nominee’s background.
The nomination has been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval under the Data Protection Act, Cap 411C. The process now enters its final stage, with the appointment expected to be finalized after parliamentary review. Chelagat, a legal professional, will lead the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, tasked with overseeing data privacy and regulation in Kenya.
This nomination follows a broader pattern of appointments by Ruto to key state institutions. Alongside Chelagat, Ruto has also named new CEOs for five state corporations across the country. The move underscores his administration’s focus on restructuring public sector leadership.
Ruto’s “Usawa ni Sawa” campaign, launched in 2022, aimed to foster national unity and reduce ethnic tensions. Njiru’s criticism suggests concerns about the consistency of Ruto’s public messaging with his appointments. The legal community remains divided on whether the nomination reflects genuine commitment to the slogan or strategic political maneuvering.
The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the nomination in the coming weeks, with a final decision likely by early December 2026. Chelagat’s appointment, if confirmed, would mark a significant step in Kenya’s data governance framework.
