This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
On August 2, 2019, Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to introduce a Bill in the Senate to allow a governor to appoint a deputy governor in case of a vacancy. The Bill was signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta in May, giving strict guidelines on how to fill the position.
With the death of Governor Joyce Laboso, Bomet County will now be headed by Hillary Barchok, the former deputy governor. Barchok has 14 days to appoint a new deputy governor, as per the law.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been operating without a deputy governor since January 2018, after Polycarp Igathe resigned. Senators have urged Sonko to urgently name his deputy and stop defying the law.
Senator Johnson Sakaja raised concerns over the manner in which Sonko was running Nairobi affairs, which, he said, hampered service delivery. “It is inconceivable that Nairobi City County has a vacuum in the office of the deputy governor until the next elections are held,” Sakaja said.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga took over the county leadership following the death of Wahome Gakuru on November 7, 2017. Kahiga has since picked Caroline Karugu as his deputy.
