National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s son, Alvin Habwe Wetang’ula, has been named among the latest beneficiaries of high-profile state appointments, joining the board of the Kenya Railways Corporation for a three-year term. While the exact date of his appointment remains unclear — with some sources claiming it is the same appointment made in June 2025 — the official gazette notice lists him among several new appointees to key government boards and parastatals as part of the administration’s ongoing restructuring drive.
In addition to his new role as a board member, Alvin currently serves as a Senior Director at Kenya Railways. Records show he graduated in 2015 with a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi, where he was reportedly ranked at the bottom of his class. This academic background, combined with his relatively short time in the workforce, has drawn public scrutiny over the corporation’s claim that he possesses 12 years of professional experience — a figure that exceeds the nine years since his graduation.
Supporters argue that his appointment injects youthful energy into the state corporation’s leadership and that family background should not disqualify a qualified candidate. However, critics view this as yet another example of entrenched political privilege, pointing to the optics of a senior political figure’s child securing a strategic post in a key national institution. The debate has lit up political and social media spaces, with many framing it within the broader trend of political dynasties dominating top public positions.
Government officials have defended the appointment process, insisting that all nominees met the stipulated qualifications and went through proper vetting. “Family ties are irrelevant if the individual is competent and capable of delivering results,” a senior State House source said.
Civil society groups have taken a different tone, calling for an independent review of the selection process to ensure transparency and meritocracy. They warn that opaque criteria risk eroding public trust, particularly in vital sectors like transport and infrastructure.
The development comes as President William Ruto’s administration faces mounting scrutiny over political patronage in state appointments. Analysts note that similar controversies have dogged past regimes, with Kenya Railways itself having a long history of politically-connected individuals in its top echelons.
Speaker Wetang’ula has not publicly commented on his son’s appointment. Close allies maintain that Alvin deserves the opportunity to prove himself, describing him as a capable young professional committed to national development.
As the newly appointed board settles in for its three-year term, all eyes will be on whether Alvin can deliver tangible results and rise above perceptions of nepotism — or whether his tenure will fuel further debate about the influence of political families in public service.
