Ombudsman CEO Mercy Wambua Resigns

The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) announced the resignation of its Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Wambua.

The commission said Wambua tendered her resignation on January 27, 2026, which was later considered and accepted at the commission’s 80th sitting, in line with the law and internal human resource policies.

“The Commission, at its 80th Sitting, considered and accepted the resignation in accordance with the law and the Commission’s Human Resource policies,” a statement said.

The commission said it has begun the process of recruiting a new Commission Secretary and CEO in accordance with the Constitution, the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, and public service regulations to ensure continuity of leadership.

Commission Chairperson Charles Dulo said the institution will continue to carry out its mandate as the recruitment process progresses, noting that the public will be kept informed on developments.

Wambua was last year in October interdicted for 14 days to allow for investigations over allegations of gross misconduct and incompetence.

Dulo said then the decision was arrived at following deliberations during the 73rd Commission meeting held on October 15, 2025.

In her place, the Director of Corporate Services would assume the role of Acting Commission Secretary pending the probe’s conclusion.

“All staff are hereby directed to accord full cooperation and support to the Acting Commission Secretary during this interim period,” the letter read in part.

Wambua, who has been at the helm of the Commission since March 4, 2022, previously served as the Law Society of Kenya CEO for six years.

During this period, she also served as the Secretary to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal and Secretary to the Advocates Benevolent Association.

She also held positions at the Board of Kituo cha Sheria and the then Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs.

There was no immediate comment from Wambua on the developments.

She is not new to such drama. In 2020, she was suspended from the Law Society of Kenya where she was serving as the CEO.

Then president Nelson Havi announced the decision following a grueling fight.

“Take notice that she ceased being Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society of Kenya effective 19th October, 2020. She is not authorized to transact, communicate and deal in anyway whatsoever in the name of and on behalf of the Law Society of Kenya.”

“The Law Society of Kenya will not be bound by or held liable for any transaction, communication or business undertaken by her. Any person dealing with her shall do so at his or her own risk and responsibility,” he said in a notice.