Anne Kananu Mwenda takes over as Acting Nairobi Governor

Anne Kananu Mwenda has taken over as acting Nairobi Governor from Speaker Benson Mutura days after she was sworn in as deputy governor.

Addressing the press on Monday morning, Ms. Mwenda said a committee is currently working on the process for her to be sworn in as Governor for Nairobi County.

“We have the Assumption (of the Office of Governor) Committee that is working on the process. Once the process is done we will communicate,” she said.

Ms. Mwenda reiterated her commitment towards improving delivery of services in Nairobi.

“I reiterate that I will remain driven by the vision and understanding of a whole Government approach to service delivery. In that light, starting today, in partnership with the Nairobi City County Assembly, we shall embark on a public engagement that will invite views on the state of service delivery in the City and how to further improve the same,” added Ms. Mwenda.

“I am not a politician and I will not start being one. I am focused on bringing a new spirit of cooperation, collaboration, partnership and mutual respect with all organs of Government. For avoidance of doubt, my principal partner in delivering services in Nairobi is the Director General of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services; Maj. General Mohammed Badi and his team.”

Anne Kananu’s rushed vetting, approval by the house and swearing in, in quick succession on Friday, has elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans, political parties, activists and lawyers alike questioning the legality of the process.

Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi told Citizen TV that “the swearing in of Anne Kananu amounts to a coup upon the constitution. We are going to court.”

The Thirdway Alliance political party, which has already filed a case against Kananu, has condemned the process terming it illegal and one that is a clear affront to the rule of law.