This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
On July 31, David Githanda resigned as Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker, citing personal reasons. He, however, stayed on until August 15, allowing time for the County Executive to find a suitable successor.
Following Githanda's resignation, Kirinyaga Majority Leader Kamau Murango handed over the instruments of the office to new speaker Joel Wagura. Wagura, a second-term MCA, will serve in an acting capacity until a substantive person is appointed, according to the Assembly Clerk, Kamau Aidi.
Wagura, who was Githanda's deputy for the last two years, expressed confidence in his ability to discharge his new responsibilities. He stated, 'Having deputised Githanda for the last two years, I learnt a lot on how to preside over the assembly's proceedings while discharging my duties as an elected ward rep.'
Wagura's appointment has been seen as a blessing in disguise for the divided Assembly. One of the MCAs noted, 'He has what it takes to unite our divided assembly.' Wagura's non-confrontational approach is expected to help him unite the Assembly and discharge his duties diligently.
On September 6, 2019, Wagura took the speaker's instruments of power in the presence of the Majority Leader, Kamau Murango. He is currently in Nairobi attending his first official assignment with colleagues from across the country.
