This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
On July 29, 2019, the death of Governor Dr. Joyce Laboso sent shockwaves through Bomet County, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty for the county's executive committee members.
According to Article 179 of the Constitution, if a vacancy arises in the office of the county governor, the members of the county executive committee appointed by the immediate former Governor cease to hold office.
With Deputy Governor Hillary Barchok set to succeed Dr. Laboso for the remaining period until the next General Election, the fate of the nine CECs hangs in the balance.
The CECs include Justus K. Maina (ICT & Public Service), Andrew Kimutai Sigei (Finance), Justus K. Tuei (Agriculture), Benson Kiplangat Sang (Environment), Joseph Kipruto Ngeno (Medical Services & Public Health), Juliana Yegon (Education), Daisy Chelagat Rono (Land), Philip Kipngeno Sowek (Transport), and Bernard Kipkorir Ng'eno (Youth, Gender, Sports).
Article 182(2) of the Constitution states, 'If a vacancy occurs in the office of county governor, the deputy county governor shall assume office as county governor for the remainder of the term of the county governor.'
Upon being sworn in as the new Governor, the deputy is at liberty to retain the county executives or make new appointments.
It is worth noting that a similar scenario played out in Nyeri County after the late governor Wahome Gakuru died in a road accident on November 7, 2017. The then Deputy Governor Mutahi Kahiga chose to retain all the nine CECs who had been appointed by the late Dr. Gakuru.
