Former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru's Deputy Mutahi Kahiga has received strong opposition from a section of Nyeri leaders who demand that a fresh poll be conducted to pick a new governor.
Following the sudden demise of the Nyeri Governor, Mr Kahiga was scheduled to take up the seat according to the law.
He had announced plans for the swearing-in ceremony on Monday amid controversial statements concerning the takeover.
[caption caption="Nyeri Deputy Governor Mutahi Kahiga"]
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"We are aware what the law provides, but let Mr Kahiga allow people to vote again in an election where he is also a candidate so that whoever wins can have the full mandate of the people," a leader who chose to remain anonymous told reporters.
Leaders who do not want the deputy argue that he is not qualified for the position, having formerly been a teacher and an official with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
Also Read: New Law to be Introduced After Nyeri Governor's Death
The Nyeri leaders are said to have been holding private night meetings to discuss the details of the succession of the top county seat with sources confirming that there is a general displeasure in having the deputy take up the county administration.
Despite the dissenting leaders, the deputy governor on Friday addressed a press briefing to convey plans to have himself sworn in at the beginning of the week.
"We are going to have a cleansing ceremony carried out by the clergy at the county government offices on Monday morning and then I am going to be sworn into office in the afternoon," Kahiga announced.
Also Read: Final Date For Swearing-in Nyeri Governor Announced
The decision was backed by the county government's Chief Advisor, Mr David Mugo who insisted that the county could not run without a governor in place.
"We had a meeting this morning and he was of the view that we wait until the governor is buried but we told him that will not be possible because we need a county that is functional. We are not doing this because we like it," Mugo reported.
[caption caption="Former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru with his deputy Mutahi Kahiga"]
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