Nyeri Deputy Governor Mutahi Kahiga swearing-in as the 4th Governor of Nyeri County that had been slated for tomorrow, Thursday, was on Wednesday postponed indefinitely.
The County Executive Committee member in charge of Infrastructure and Communication Muthui Kariuki, postponed the event following advice from the Council of Governors led by Chairman Josphat Nanok.
However, the Council of Governors denied allegations that it had issued a directive seeking the postponement of the swearing-in ceremony.
According to David Mugo, the governor’s legal advisor, Mr Kahiga is set to complete the elective term of the second county government and will serve until 2022 with all powers and privileges.
[caption caption="Nyeri Deputy Governor Mutahi Kahiga"]
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Mr Mugo stated that a by-election was not necessitated by the governor’s death irrespective of the time it occurred.
The late Dr. Gakuru died on Tuesday, November 7, from injuries he sustained in a road accident in Kabati along the Thika-Kenol highway.
According to Article 182 of the Constitution, when the office of the County Governor becomes vacant due to death, the deputy governor assumes the office for the remainder of the term.
This comes two days after the death of Dr. Gakuru akin to that of the late Governor Nderitu Gachagua who died in February while undergoing treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, the United Kingdom.
[caption caption="The late Dr Wahome Gakuru"]
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The late governor will be buried on November 18 as proposed by the team organising the burial ceremony. Dr Gakuru's son is sitting for his KCSE exams and is expected to be done by the set date.
