Nyeri County Assembly requests AG Muigai to expedite swearing in of Deputy Governor

Nyeri County Assembly Speaker David Mwangi PHOTO:COURTESY

County Assembly of Nyeri requested the Attorney General (AG) to expedite the swearing in of Nyeri Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai.

The request follows the demise of Governor Nderitu Gachagua who died at London yesterday morning.

Assembly speaker, Mwangi Mugo, said the move was likely to avert leadership vacuum and ensure smooth transition and stability.

Speaking during a two-hour special sitting to eulogize the late Gachagua, Mwangi said he had written to AG Githu Muigai to provide guidance in regard to transitional of power from the late governor to his deputy.

"The oath of office ought to have been administered as early as today to ensure there is no leadership vacuum in the county," said the Speaker.

Mugo said he was optimistic, the county would remain stable especially during and after mourning of the departed governor.

During the sitting, the MCAs observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Gachagua before each was given time to eulogize him.

The House hit the headlines late last year when it went on to impeach the county boss over abuse of office and misappropriation of fund before its decision was overturned by the Senate.

However, in a show of unity, the MCAs eulogized him as a great and courageous politician who never shied away from speaking his mind.

Kiganjo-Mathari ward MCA Baragu Mutahi who moved the impeachment motion said their differences were not personal, but on matters of county administration.

"Many people are not aware that we shared a lot with the governor at a personal level as he was a good friend of mine," said Mutahi.

Wamagana Ward MCA, JesseMwangi, said the late governor was a strong willed politician and fighter who never spared anyone standing on his way.

"Despite working differences, his good outweighed the bad and we are united in grief to mourn a great man," remarked Mwangi.

Majority Leader,Duncan Gituanja asked Wamathai to appoint new County Executive Committee members to replace those that were sacked by Gachagua and whose dockets have been run on acting capacities by others for close to two years.

“Incoming governor should clear the mess of acting officials by making substantive appointments," Gituanja observed.