The Deputy Governors (DG) forum has come out to oppose the County Governments Amendment Bill sponsored by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.
The DGs have demanded that the Bill be recalled before it is tabled for discussion at the Senate to allow for consultations.
According to the deputy county heads, the proposal that the DG should assume office after 60 days in the event that a Governor is incapacitated or dies is unacceptable.
"Under no circumstances should we go for a fresh election if the deputy governor is still alive," Chairman of the forum and Kisii County DG Joash Maangi declared.
[caption caption="Senator Kipchumba Murkomen"]
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The Kisii deputy county boss admitted that the Bill was needful so far as it addresses a gap in the County Government law as is.
He, however, expressed discontent with sections of the Bill that would give a Governor freedom to replace his deputy in 14 days should a vacancy arises.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno emphasised the need to engage the current county heads in a discussion that will improve the Bill.
"We should have a bill that serves posterity and one that addresses the existing gaps in the Constitution," Gov Jackson Mandago's deputy stated.
Using the split between Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and his deputy Polycarp Igathe as a cautionary tale, Chairman Maangi advised the deputies to support their governors.
"We should have a cordial working relationship and stop the squabbles that we have witnessed in the past," Mr Maangi noted.
In response, Homa Bay deputy Hamilton Orata assured the Chairman of the deputies' resolve to help governors fulfill promises made to the electorate.
[caption caption="Kisii deputy governor Joash Maangi"]
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