Former Nakuru police boss Samuel Ndanyi set to make a comeback in new security role

Samuel Ndanyi, a senior national administrator who is well remembered in Nakuru for his previous role in security leadership, is set to return to the region in his new capacity as Rift Valley Regional Police Commander. 

Ndanyi confirmed this to Mtaa Wangu over the phone.

He previously served in Nakuru as County Police Commander, succeeding Peter Mwanzo. 

He held this position until late October 2024 with his tenure was marked by several high-profile incidents that attracted national media attention.

One such moment was the dispute involving the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital, during which Ndanyi was ordered to oversee the return of the facility to its management following a takeover by county officials.

Another notable moment came during anti-government protests when Catherine Wanjeri, a Mediamax journalist based in Nakuru, was shot in the leg by police officers. 

This sparked outrage among local journalists, who held public demonstrations demanding accountability.

Ndanyi’s term also attracted criticism due to rising insecurity in parts of the county, yet his period in Nakuru remains one of the most publicly remembered.

His expected return to the Rift Valley comes at a time when Nakuru and other parts of the region are facing overlapping security and governance challenges.

Ndanyi is moving from his role as Central Region Police Commander, a position he took up in 2024 after leaving Nakuru. 

He is now swapping positions with the current Rift Valley Regional Police Commander, Jasper Ombati, who is moving to Central in the same capacity.