Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko revealed that he has now shortlisted four candidates, all of them women to replace Polycarp Igathe as the Deputy Governor.
“I am still consulting with my party leadership that is the President, deputy president, Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju, Nairobi County leadership as well as other party leaders and I can assure you that I will appoint a deputy soon,” stated Sonko.
Speaking at a local radio station Wednesday, Sonko said that he was ready to appoint a deputy to fill the vacuum left by Igathe who resigned in a huff in January. Governor Sonko mentioned that his preference was that he appointed a woman to the position, for gender equality purposes. He has shortlisted business lady Agnes Kagure, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Lawyer Karen Nyamu and Jane Weruet to replace Polycarp Igathe as the Deputy Governor.
Sonko said that he now regretted the decision he made in May this year appointing exiled Miguna Miguna for the position.
“I admit that I erred in nominating Miguna without consultation but I did it out of bitterness and anger. This time however I will appoint a deputy after consultations with the party are concluded,” said Sonko.
He disclosed that the move was as a result of pressure from different quarters within the Jubilee camp and only appointed Miguna to ‘annoy’ his adversaries who were blackmailing him on who he should appoint as the Deputy Governor
Governor Sonko expressed his concerns on the law dictating that in the event a Governor dies, his or her deputy should automatically take over. He urged members of the Senate to review the law and if need be, call for a referendum to ensure that once a Governor passes on, fresh elections are conducted. In his opinion, Governors could at risk in the future from their deputies who might plot to end their lives so that they can ascend to power automatically.
The position of Deputy Governor has been vacant since Polycarp Igathe’s resignation in January. Governor Sonko denied claims that he has been was reluctant in appointing someone to deputise him, for fear of the being replaced almost immediately upon his death.