We are behind you, Governors assure Josphat Nanok

Council of Governors Chairman Josphat Nanok. 

North Rift governors have promised to work together despite their different political affiliations to make North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) a formidable unit.

The Noreb county chiefs also pledged to support Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok in his role as Council of Governors (CoG) chair.

The governors spoke Saturday during the inauguration of Governor Nanok and his deputy Peter Lotethiro for their second term at the Ekaales Centre in Lodwar Saturday.

The Governors present were Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), John Lonyang’apuo (West Pokot) and Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia).

The leaders also vowed to ensure the coveted seat remains in North Rift.

“We want the seat to remain in North Rift and when we meet as Governors, we will push for Governor Nanok to continue as chairman of CoG. I am confident that the CoG will unite behind him,” Mandago said.

Prof Lonyang’apuo who was elected on a Kanu ticket trouncing Jubilee’s Simon Kachapin said he will work with Nanok to provide a lasting solution to insecurity caused by cattle rustling and banditry along the Pokot and Turkana border.

Discuss peace

“We will meet as leaders of the two counties and as North rift to discuss peace. We declare here an end to cattle rustling that has caused problems to our people. I know everyone here is in agreement that it’s time peace is maintained between the pastoral communities,” said the West Pokot governor.

On his part, Governor Khaemba called on the national Government to speed up the construction of the Kitale-Lodwar road to ease the movement of people and goods.

The leaders said now that the elections are past, CoG and National Government will unite to ensure nurses resume work.

Elsewhere, the new Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has promised residents that he will restore the county’s lost glory.

Speaking Saturday during his swearing in at Ndumberi Stadium in Kiambu town that was conducted by High Court Judge Stella Mutuku, Waititu promised to act on all his election pledges.

Also present at the colourful ceremony witnessed by thousands of residents and top National government officials is his deputy Dr James Nyoro.

Waititu beat his rival former governor William Kabogo after garnering 765,440 votes representing 83 per cent against his 205,891 votes.

Waititu popularly known as Babayao, thanked the people of Kiambu for electing him the second governor of the county.

“Being governor today is a dream come true. Ever since the enactment of the new constitution 2010, I have been angling to become a governor. I now thank God for enabling me to achieve my goal,” said Waititu.

The new governor assured residents that he would not let them down.

-Additional reporting by Kamau Maichuhie

[email protected]