Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM) has resigned from the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC).
Wanjiru tendered her resignation on Thursday through the Head of the Public Service, giving a month’s notice. This means she intends to remain in office until August 31st, 2026.
Wanjiru has served as the commission chairperson for the last 20 months, following her appointment in October 2024. The NRC was formed in 2024 to help reclaim Nairobi waters and beautify the city according to Vision 2030.
Wanjiru thanks President Ruto
In her letter of resignation, Wanjiru indicated she was leaving the commission to focus on other matters. She, nevertheless, thanked President Ruto for entrusting her with the responsibility of heading the commission.
Might Bishop Wanjiru be eyeing a political seat in 2027? If so, she is yet to give indication.
Nevertheless, Wanjiru is not new to politics. She once served as an elected MP and has made attempts at the gubernatorial and senatorial seats at different times.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru in Politics
Margaret Wanjiru joined active politics in 2007, during the second term of President Mwai Kibaki. She vied in Nairobi under the ODM Party and became the Starehe Constituency Member of Parliament (MP).
In 2008, President Kibaki appointed her the Housing Assistant Minister, a position she held until the end of her term.
In 2013, Bishop Wanjiru tried to vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, but the electoral commission barred her a technicality. However, she managed to vie again for the same seat in 2017 though she did not succeed.
Mike Sonko, who won the seat, garnered more than double the votes of the runner-up. In fact, Bishop Wanjiru ranked a far third in that race.
Nevertheless, Wanjiru’s attempt at vying again in Nairobi was impressive. In 2022, she sought the Senate seat under UDA. Though she did not win, she managed to garner over 550,000 votes. Meanwhile, Edwin Sifuna, who vied under ODM, won decisively with 700,000.
For now, Wanjiru’s resignation should leave her ample time to prepare for her next phase of her active life. She might even decide to become more active at the pulpit while contributing to politics on the side.
Pastor Dorcas Gachagua does it in her own way: serves the church while supporting her husband, the former Deputy President.