A governance and education rights advocate and a former activist and parliamentary aspirant are the latest appointees to acting Nairobi Governor Benson Mutura’s cabinet.

Mr Mutura yesterday appointed Janet Muthoni Ouko as the County Executive Committee member for Education and activist Brian Weke as the Legal Advisor to the Office of the Governor.

The changes, which are part of Mutura’s first executive task since taking over from impeached Mike Sonko, handed Ms Ouko a lifeline after two years in the cold following her resignation from City Hall in January 2019.

She has replaced Lucia Mulwa, who has been moved to Agriculture docket.

Ouko had resigned following a strained relationship with Sonko, who accused her of being behind the loss of Sh357.5 million in a bursary scheme meant for needy children.

Prior to her appointment to the Education docket at City Hall, Ouko was the national co-ordinator at Elimu Yetu, a civil society education movement. She was also a member of a task-force on affordable education in 2014 as the country laid the ground for free day secondary education.

Weke, a former tout-turned-humanitarian activist, was the ODM party Embakasi West parliamentary aspirant in 2013.

He holds two degrees in Business Administration, one from Newport University in the United States, and another from Limkokwing University in Malaysia. He also has a masters of Science in Organisational Development from the United States International University. He also holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Catholic University.

Jairus Musumba was appointed the acting County Secretary, replacing Justus Kathenge who also held the position in acting capacity. Mr Kathenge will now focus on his role as Nairobi County Urban Planning and Housing chief officer.

Paul Mutunga has been handed the Chief of Staff role, replacing Peter Mugo, who had been appointed by Sonko.

Other cabinet members include Mohammed Dagane (Transport), Hitan Majevdia (Health Services), Allan Igambi (Finance), Charles Kerich (Urban Planning and Housing), Vesca Kangogo (Devolution), and Newton Munene (Information and Communication Technology).