High hopes as governors-elect are sworn-in

Embu County workers clean the governor's office in readiness for the swearing-in of Cecily Mbarire on August 25, 2022. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard] After gruelling campaigns and fighting tooth and nail to either occupy or retain the top political seat in the developed units, governors-elect in the August 9 General Elections are today expected to take the oath of office. In the past, the date of swearing-in, place and ceremonies were eft to the governor-elect and their handlers to decide. However, the Assumption of the Office of the Governor Act, dictates that all the governors-elect must be sworn in on a Thursday, after the tenth day since the declaration of the election results by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The commission had gazetted 45 names to be sworn in by judges in various venues across the country. It postponed elections in Mombasa and Kakamega counties. Today, however, offers residents across the counties a chance to witness their governors take a pledge to uphold the Constitution and make a commitment to utilise billions of their money prudently. During the campaigns, candidates made several pledges and today will be a time for them to look their constituents in the eye and make a solemn fidelity to work for them irrespective of political differences. Seven women Many of them defied many odds to win while others put up a spirited fight to reclaim the seats they once occupied at the advent of devolution. This election was also a big win for women as a record seven women won governor seats. Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Cecicly Mbarire (Embu), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru) and Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) all rode to victory. Homa Bay governor-elect Gladys Wanga. [File, Standard] Mwangaza won as an independent candidate sending political supremo and veteran politician Kiraitu Murungi home. Mwangaza, 43, won with 209,148 as Mithika Linturi came second with 183, 859 while Kiraitu was a distant third with 110, 814 votes. "I had said Kiraitu would come third. I also told him that I would win by a massive margin," Mwangaza said. She says she won because she had always been closer to the people, using the Affirmative Action Fund given to Woman Representatives to empower communities. "I was with the people in the villages. I ensured the public resources from NGAAF were used well to improve lives. Seeing the work the people encouraged me to go for governor's seat,"' she revealed. In Nakuru, Kihika trounced Lee Kinyanjui who was considered a heavyweight, while Wanga floored former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero to become Nyanza's first female governor. Medicine for all During the campaigns, Kihika accused Kinyanjui of building many hospitals that were poorly equipped, understaffed and lacked medical supplies. "Once elected, I shall ensure the hospitals are properly staffed and those on contracts placed on a permanent and pensionable basis. We shall have enough medicine for all," Kihika promised. Stakeholders in the transport sector are also optimistic that her administration will bring them back to the city centre after the outgoing administration evicted them three years ago. Kihika also has the task of ensuring that her administration does not report budget rollovers at the end of financial years if her fight with Kinyanjui over the matter is anything to go by. Nakuru governor-elect Susan Kihika. [File, Standard] For 49-year-old Mbarire, winning the Embu governor's seat on the first attempt was a feat many can only dream of. For Achani, 10 years in the murky waters of politics has finally paid off. Ms Achani was Kwale governor Salim Mvurya's deputy for two terms. As she steps out to be sworn-in today at the Kwale stadium, Ms Achani also stands out as the first female governor in the Coast region. Ms Achani who was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket has publicly attributed her victory to the support she received from governor Mvurya, who endorsed her and campaigned for her. There are governors-elect such as former Dagoreti North MP Simba Arati whose rise was dramatic. On one end, he was seeking to transition from Nairobi to upcountry while on another end he was facing a stiff challenge from seasoned politicians. An energetic politician, the former Dagoretti North MP muscled his way to becoming a crowd favourite as he convinced Kisii voters to back his bid. He considered himself the underdog in a move that observers believe was a political tactic. This election also saw some experienced politicians meet their Waterloo at the hands of political lightweights. Kisii governor-elect Simba Arati. [File, Standard] In Nyandarua for instance, educationist Dr Kiarie Badilisha trounced former Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia who served as the second governor. Nyandarua has for the last five years been involved in political wrangles pitting speaker Ndegwa Wahome against Governor Kimemia. Wahome, who chaired the County Assemblies Forum also contested the governor seat and got 11,437 votes. Former deputy governor Kirika Mwangi 13,946. Vihiga governor-elect Wilber Ottichilo weathered many storms in his quest to defend his seat. He survived ouster motions and a bruising political battle. He had a difficult first term that saw tens of cases lodged in court against him and his administration. At one point, almost half of his Cabinet, led by deputy governor Patrick Saisi rebelled against him. No one expected the soft-spoken governor would retain the governor's seat. Ottichilo, who vied on ODM ticket proved Doubting Thomases wrong when he garnered 82,313 votes to defeat his predecessor Rev Moses Akaranga who bagged 42,432 votes in the hotly contested race. Other candidates were Senator George Khaniri (UDP) who managed 28,496 votes to finish third, Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi (ANC) who got 26, 088 votes and Francis Ominde of FPK who managed a paltry 2,325 votes. In Taita Taveta, immediate former Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime rode to power having overwhelmingly wrestled the outgoing Governor Granton Samboja in a landslide victory. In Nairobi, governor-elect Johnson Sakaja weathered the storm to defeat corporate executive Polycarp Igathe who had the backing of the of Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga. Nairobi governor-elect Johnson Sakaja. [File, Standard] Sakaja got 699,392 votes against Igathe's 573,518. Also taking the oath of office are the lucky ones; those who were either in the right political formation or had lived up to the promise of devolving development. This crop of politicians managed to ride the wave and voters decided to give another term. Kirinyaga's Anne Waiguru, Kisumu's Anyang' Nyong'o, Stephen Sang (Nandi), Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira) and Kajiado'd Joseph ole Lenku are some of the county bosses who retained their seats. [Reporting by Stephen Rutto, Bakari Ang'ela and Edward Kosut, Brian Kisanji, James Omoro, Isaiah Gwengi, Olivia Odhiambo and Anne Atieno, Renson Mnyamwezi, Patrick Beja, Kennedy Gachuhi, James Munyeki, Nikko Tanui and Phares Mutembei]

High hopes as governors-elect are sworn-in

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