Council of Governors Elect New Chair

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected the new Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) for a one-year term, taking over from outgoing chairperson, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who served two terms.

Njuki was elected during a full council meeting held on Monday, October 12, in Westlands, Nairobi, where governors selected new leaders to serve in the CoG executive leadership and technical committees.

The elections also saw Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka appointed Vice Chairperson, while other governors were assigned leadership roles in various committees overseeing key sectors of county government.

In a statement following the elections, Lusaka confirmed the new leadership arrangement and his appointment as vice chairperson.

"My colleague, Governor Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi, will serve as chair, while I take up the position of vice chair," he wrote.

Lusaka also defended the importance of unity among governors, saying the interests of devolution should take precedence over individual ambitions as county leaders work together to strengthen the system of devolved government.

"I could never divide an otherwise cohesive group for personal gain. Devolution is bigger than any one of us, and I look forward to working with all governors to defend and strengthen it," he added.

Other appointments included Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi as Council Whip, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa as chairperson of the Finance Committee, and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir as chairperson of the Health Committee.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was appointed chairperson of the Agriculture Committee, while Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu took charge of the Climate Change Committee.

Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma also welcomed the outcome of the elections, saying the new leadership reflected the governors' shared commitment to institutional leadership and cooperation between the national and county governments.

"The elections reaffirm our collective commitment to strong institutional leadership, intergovernmental cooperation and the protection of devolution as a cornerstone of Kenya’s Constitution," he stated.

Mutuma was elected chairperson of the Council of Governors' Youth, Gender and Culture Committee. He expressed gratitude to fellow governors for entrusting him with the responsibility.

"I am deeply honoured and grateful to my fellow governors for electing me Chairperson of the Youth, Gender and Culture Committee of the Council of Governors. I sincerely appreciate the confidence they have placed in me and accept this responsibility with humility, dedication and a firm commitment to results," he added.

Mutuma said his leadership of the committee would focus on empowering young people, promoting gender equality and expanding opportunities for women and girls, while using Kenya's cultural heritage to support social and economic development.

"My focus will be on advancing youth empowerment, promoting gender equality, strengthening opportunities for women and girls, and positioning our rich cultural heritage as a driver of social cohesion, identity and economic development," he further said.

Mutuma congratulated the newly elected leaders and pledged to work with the CoG leadership to improve the performance of county governments and strengthen public service delivery.

"I congratulate all my colleagues entrusted with these responsibilities and look forward to working closely with the Council’s leadership to strengthen county governments, improve service delivery and deliver meaningful development to our people," he noted.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also congratulated Njuki following his election, expressing confidence in his ability to advance the council's mandate and strengthen devolution.

"Congratulations Governor Muthomi Njuki on your ascension to the esteemed office of Chairman of the Council of Governors. 

"Your election speaks to your dedication and commitment to devolution and your ability to deliver on the vision and mission of the Council of Governors and its stakeholders," he aaid.

Kindiki said he looked forward to working with the new CoG leadership and the committee chairpersons appointed during the elections.

"Looking forward to working with you, the new Vice Chairman Governor Kenneth Lusaka and the various Chairpersons of Committees announced after today’s elections," he added.

Elsewhere, former Starehe Member of Parliament Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has been officially named the Party Leader of the Kenya Moja Movement Party.

The development follows the publication of Gazette Notice No. 16171 by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).

In a statement on Monday, October 12, Bishop Wanjiru expressed gratitude for the appointment, describing it as an honour and a sign of trust in her leadership.

"I am grateful for the honour and trust placed in me to serve as the Party Leader of the Kenya Moja Movement Party, as officially published in Gazette Notice No. 16171 by the ORPP," she wrote.

Bishop Wanjiru said she remained committed to serving Kenyans and strengthening the party's presence across the country.

She pledged to continue working towards expanding the party's reach and building its structures in different parts of Kenya.

"I remain committed to serving our people and strengthening our Party across Kenya," she added.