Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will be given 14 days to appoint Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe's replacement if a new bill sponsored by Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen sails through.
Known as the County Governments Amendment Bill, it states that a Governor will make the appointment within 14 days of the office becoming vacant, but with the approval of the county assemblies.
The bill further notes that such a vacancy may occur in the event of death, resignation or imprisonment of the sitting Deputy Governor as well as in cases where the deputy takes over the Governor’s office.
In reference to the recent resignation of Igathe, Murkomen stated: “I am going to expedite debate on the bill after what has happened in Nairobi.”
The new bill appears to have been borrowed from what the Constitution states should happen in the event that the Office of the Deputy President becomes vacant.
[caption caption="Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen"]
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The bill would also provide a solution to Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who has been operating without a Deputy Governor after he ascended to the top office following the death of former Governor Wahome Gakuru.
The 2010 Constitution currently contains no provision on the course of action to be taken to appoint a Deputy Governor if the seat becomes vacant.
On Friday, Igathe sent out his resignation letter, stating that he had failed to earn the trust of Governor Sonko.
Sonko stated that he was considering the resignation, which Igathe wrote would take effect at the end of January.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja announced that the Jubilee Party leadership would attempt to broker an agreement between Sonko and Igathe.
[caption caption="Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe"]
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