Twitter lights up as Kenyans oppose fresh gubernatorial elections for Nyeri

Following the tragic demise of Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru, Nyeri residents have been left with a question of whether or not to have new elections.

Gakuru, whose vehicle crashed into a rail guard on November 7 had only been in the office for barely two months. He is the second Governor to die while in office from the same County, after Nderitu Gachagua.

The law dictates that a Deputy Governor takes up the office in case his boss dies but various leaders are opposing the move by asking residents to carry out another election.

Deputy Governor Mutahi Kahiga has been asked to step down from his position and allow fresh polls to be conducted, rather than assume the position of the Governor as expected.

Leaders who say that residents should be given a chance to elect their preferred leaders have met opposition from Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).

KNUT Nyeri Chairman Patrick Karinga and acting Executive Secretary Mathenge Wanjau say that it is not right for Kahiga to be subjected whereas Deputy Governor Wamathai was sworn in immediately after Governor Nderitu Gachagua’s death.

Kenyans on social media have kept tabs on these proceedings and they took to Twitter to engage in talks.

Some think that there is political interference and others think it is only fair for residents to vote for the one they prefer.

why is deputy governor of Nyeri being told to resign for new elections to be held— kimanga son (@JoshuaMurish) November 11, 2017

The constitution is very clear that if a governor dies the DP GVN takes office until the next general elections...
The Deputy gvn of Nyeri should be sworn in as soon as possible...
It's now clear that GVN wahome was assassinated!!!

— Julio Lesley Ambetsa (@Julioambetsa) November 11, 2017

Nyeri residents must stand up and resist this— Prisca Onyango (@onyangoprisca3) November 11, 2017

He must resist, what they are asking him to do is completely unconstitutional. Infact, that fuels the theory that the late governor might have been murdered to pave way for some shadowy character! https://t.co/SGnIBcfSFf— Boni Khalwale (@KBonimtetezi) November 11, 2017

People of #Nyeri must #Resist , just like how they wrenched @County47online out of @MikeSonko reducing him to flower girl, they want the same in #Nyeri. #NRM says #Resist ! pic.twitter.com/HtXlXM73vj

— Solomon Ambuku (@solo_ambuku) November 11, 2017

@KBonimtetezi There is a Zimbabwean proverb that says: “When a hyena wants to eat its children, it starts by accusing them of smelling like goats”! @JubileePartyK is worse than this proverbial hyena coz it just cannibalizes its own! Kenyans mustn’t say we haven’t warned them!— Munene Mwaniki (@munenemwaniki) November 11, 2017

I am a Nyerian. I am not for his resignation but I bet he is not a gubernatorial person. He was for "campaign" purposes. Anyway, we will have to do with him for 5 years hoping he will carry the vision of Gvn Gakuru

— Gichane Kihara (@KiharaGichane) November 11, 2017

The office of Deputy Governor is there to fill Governor's office in case the office become vacant - Article 182 of our Constitution 2010

— David ombui (@dombwori) November 11, 2017

Indeed the law must be followed, as it is, period.— Joshua Komen (@JoshuaKoros) November 11, 2017

Nyeri residents must stand up and resist this— Prisca Onyango (@onyangoprisca3) November 11, 2017

People in Nyeri should be given a choice to vote afresh. People vote for the guy at the top not the 2nd in command. The 2nd in command can aptly claim the gods endowed him his good fortunes and owes the electorate absolutely nothing.— Gathecha (@BWGathecha) November 11, 2017

He can't. He is usually on the ballot. He is an elected official. He deserves to be where he is. Jesus! We common people must resist this tendency of leaders to ignore or chase the law when it doesn't suit their whims! Then lie to us that it is for out own good. Ati choice!!— Victor Kimuyu (@victordafirst) November 11, 2017