Nyeri’s fourth governor sworn into office

Nyeri County has sworn in its fourth governor. Former deputy governor Mutahi Kahiga was sworn into office as the county’s fourth governor on Monday, November 13, at 3:00 PM following the death of Dr. Wahome Gakuru.

Dr. Gakuru died on Tuesday November 7 after a grisly road accident on Thika-Sagana highway, Murang’a County.

Governor Gakuru was the 2^nd Governor to die in office following the demise of the county’s first governor Nderitu Gachagua who died of pancreatic cancer at Royal Marsden Hospital in London on February 24.

Gachagua was replaced by then Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai who became the second governor three days later.

As per the constitution, a governor is replaced by his/her deputy if he/she; dies, resigns in writing, ceases to be eligible to be elected county governor is convicted of a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment of at least 12 months.

Mr. Kahiga was sworn in in an event presided over by Presiding judge Jairus Ngaah.

The event was attended by Information Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, Nyeri County Assembly Speaker John Kagucia, Senator Ephraim Maina, Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, Tetu MP James Mwangi, Mukrweini MP Anthony Githiaka, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua,Kieni MP Kanini Kega and Othaya MP Gichuki Mugambi.

However none of the other 46 governors was present.

In his inaugural speech governor governor Kahiga promised to deliver economic growth and run a transparent and open government.

He also promised to retain the existing County Executive Committee members (CEC’s).

“I wish to give a firm assurance today of my wish to continue to work with the team that we recently enlisted in this great transformation, I wish to maintain Dr.Gakuru’s unequivocal support for the team  (CEC’s) ,” said governor Kahiga.

Most of the MPs pledged to support the new governor with most of them dismissing claims that he (Kahiga) is unfit to lead the county.

During Governor Gachagua’s term the county was rocked by wrangles between the leaders leading to under development in the region.

“The first two governors did not enjoy the support of MPs and that’s why they were voted out and only Kega was re-elected, all 28 MCA’s were also voted out We must give our new governor the space to work.” said Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.

“I was surprised to see in a local daily reports that some senior Nyeri County leaders are planning to block governor Kahiga from being sworn in. Which leaders are you talking about yet I am of the senior politicians and I am not attending those meetings? ” posed Kieni MP Kanini Kega.