President Uhuru Kenyatta's meeting at Sagana State Lodge was skipped by 16 governors, prompting queries about the unusual absence.
Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto admitted to snubbing the meeting, stating he chose to campaign for the Mashinani Development Party candidate in Nyangores Ward, Bomet County, ahead of a by-election. He also criticized the Jubilee coalition, saying it was not serious about ensuring devolution succeeds and was trying to shortchange the process through unconstitutional means.
Reasons for Absence ¶
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho did not attend, instead accompanying ODM party leader Raila Odinga to a public forum discussing the Eurobond saga in Nairobi. Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana was opening a maternity ward at Kithyulu dispensary in Makueni. Migori Governor Okoth Obado declined to comment on his absence, while his Nyamira counterpart, John Nyagarama, apologized citing pending business at the county assembly and a meeting with US investors.
Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, the host, was out of the country for a medical review, and President Kenyatta publicly acknowledged his apologies. Other absent governors included Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Joseph Nanok (Turkana), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Samuel Mbae (Tharaka Nithi), Godana Doyo (Isiolo), and Joseph Ndathi (Kirinyaga), who is reportedly in Australia.
Reaction to Absences ¶
Former Council of Governors chairman, Isaac Ruto, noted that the high number of absent governors was unusual, typically seeing only four to six governors absent due to being out of the country. He also mentioned that there was no adequate consultation prior to the meeting.
