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The new governor of Nyeri is a self-effacing individual who rarely courts controversy.
Samuel Wamathai, was yesterday sworn in as the second governor of Nyeri county following the death of Nderitu Gachagua.
Here are ten things you should know about him
The 61-year-old is the father of three and married to Leah Njoki Githaiga He holds a bachelors degree in air and space law from McGill University in Canada Wamathai is locally referred to as “ambassador” because of his long stint as the Kenyan representative at the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Canada. His diplomatic skills came in handy when navigating the rough political waters of Nyeri county that saw his predecessor narrowly escape impeachment. However, the new governor has not been above controversy. Last year, a human rights group petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate his academic qualifications. Still, employees at the county government as well as his close friends describe him as an outgoing and modest man who is always ready to listen. He is non-committal about whether he will vie for the position of governor in the August 8 election, saying his immediate priority was to fulfil the pledges made to the electorate. He had decided not to sack Gachagua's Cabinet, “The law provides that a governor should form a new Cabinet but taking into consideration that this would take very long, I intend to maintain the same Cabinet," he said. In his inauguration speech, the new governor pledged zero tolerance for corruption and promised to complete the projects initiated by his predecessor. The Gachagua family promised to support the new governor, saying he has been a pillar of strength for them.
