Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has won a second term as the Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG), in elections held on Monday, October 6.
However, the elections saw Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki ascend to the Executive Council, becoming the Whip of the CoG, replacing Nandi County boss Stephen Sang.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga retained his position as the Vice-Chair, rounding up the three-member Executive Council. Abdullahi and Kahiga’s re-election was held through consensus.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir replaced Njuki as Health Committee Chairperson in the elections at the CoG offices at the Delta Center, Westlands.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was replaced as the Human Resources, Labour, and Welfare Committee Chair by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
Sang, who was in the Executive Council, became the chair of the Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Committee, taking over from Kisii Governor Simba Arati.
Arati became the Security and Foreign Affairs Committee chair, replacing his Baringo counterpart Benjamin Cheboi. Another change was in the Trade and Cooperatives Committee, with Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha replacing Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi became the new Transport, Infrastructure, and Energy Committee chair, replacing Marsabit County boss Mohamud Mohamed Ali.
Elections in the CoG are normally held through consensus, where governors agree on a candidate, or through a contested election if more than one governor seeks a position.
The positions usually last for a year, with the next elections set to be in October 2026. Leadership elections are held during full meetings of the Council of Governors.
Abdullahi was first elected as CoG chair in October 2024, succeeding Kirinyaga’s Anne Waiguru. Kahiga became Vice Chair with Sang remaining as Whip.
After the 2022 General Elections, Waiguru became the first CoG chair of the new Governor’s caucus, with Abdullahi as the Vice-Chair. Sang was elected as Whip. The three were re-elected in October 2023.
