This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, a significant event will take place in Bomet County as Deputy Governor Hillary Barchok is set to be sworn in as the new Governor. This comes after the burial of Dr Joyce Laboso, who passed away last Saturday.
The ceremony will be held at the Bomet Green Stadium, where a funeral service for Dr Laboso was held last Friday. The event will not only mark the beginning of a new chapter for the county but also serve as a tribute to the late Governor's achievements during her short term in office.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have assured Barchok that his administration will remain as close to the presidency as was Governor Laboso's. This shows the level of support that Barchok can expect from the national government.
Edwin Abonyo, the late Governor's husband, has also offered words of advice to Barchok. He urged him to fulfill the manifesto developed by his late wife, assuring him that Dr Laboso had complete faith in his ability to execute their plans.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has echoed sentiments shared by other leaders, calling for the appointment of a female deputy governor. He noted that it would be logical to maintain the balance in the Bomet government, which had been structured to have a man and a woman at the top.