NAIROBI, KENYA — President William Ruto has appointed Professor Makau Mutua as the Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, brings a highly respected legal scholar and human rights advocate into the heart of Kenya’s executive branch.
Professor Mutua brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and the Margaret W. Wong Professor at the University at Buffalo School of Law, where he previously served as dean.
Prof. Mutua expertise spans international human rights, international business transactions, and international law. He holds degrees from the University of Nairobi, the University of Dar es Salaam, and a Doctorate of Juridical Science from Harvard Law School.
Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Mutua has a long and distinguished career in public service. He chaired the Task Force on the Establishment of a Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission in 2003 and served as a delegate to the National Constitutional Conference.
His voice carries weight in both academic and political circles, having written extensively for major publications and advised on human rights and rule of law missions across the globe.
President Ruto welcomed Professor Mutua to his team, highlighting the importance of the appointment for the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The President stated, “Prof Mutua brings a wealth of experience in legal, constitutional, and human rights matters.”
While Professor Mutua is a close ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, his appointment signals a potential for cross-political collaboration on key constitutional matters.
His deep understanding of legal and human rights issues positions him as a crucial figure in shaping Kenya’s legal landscape moving forward.
