This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
On August 6, 2019, former Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner general John Njiraini announced his withdrawal from the competition for the position of chairperson of the National Land Commission (NLC).
John Njiraini, who was one of the top contenders for the NLC chairperson's post, decided to withdraw his candidature despite being shortlisted among 11 others.
As the commissioner-general of the Kenya Revenue Authority between March 2012 and June 2019, Njiraini's interest in the NLC top job raised eyebrows due to his long stay in public service.
According to a letter dated August 6, 2019, Njiraini stated that he had withdrawn his candidature to pursue other interests.
"I wish to communicate my decision to withdraw as a candidate for the position of chairperson of the National Land Commission in order to pursue other interests," he said in the letter to the panel for the selection of the NLC chairperson.
"I wish to thank you and other panel members for having granted me the opportunity to present my ideas on how this important national institution can be transformed through the injection of a fresh leadership dynamic," he added.
