Ex-Communications Authority Director-General Francis Wangusi dies

Former Director-General of Communications Authority of Kenya Francis Wangusi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Former Communications Authority of Kenya Director-General Francis Wangusi has died, the agency confirmed in a press statement on Wednesday, March 1.

"It is with profound sadness that we have received news on the passing on of former CA Director-General Mr. Francis Wangusi, which occurred this afternoon at the Nairobi Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment," the regulator said on Twittter.

"Mr. Wangusi oversaw significant milestones in the ICT industry, including the transition to digital television broadcasting, and the sector's exponential growth during his tenure from 2012 until his retirement on August 22, 2019. May his soul find rest in perfect peace," added CA in their statement.

Wangusi had over 20 years' experience in the Information, Communications and Technology field.

He joined the CA in 2000 as an assistant director, rising through the ranks to the position of ultimate boss in 2012.

He also served as a senior lecturer at the Kenya College for Communications Technology (KCCT), now known as Multimedia University of Kenya.

His final days at the Communications Authority of Kenya were marred by boardroom wrangles after then then-Director of Legal Services Mercy Wanjau, now Secretary to the Cabinet, was appointed the Director-General in acting capacity following Wangusi's disputed exit.

Wangusi would turn to the courts to seek redress into his removal.

The court ruled in his favour, triggering talks between him and the CA for the embattled Wangusi to get a dignified exit.

A deal was struck that Wangusi serves his term to completion.