Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Friday revealed he had postponed naming of his deputy after receiving a request from NASA leadership to consider their proposed nominee, Rahab Wangui.
While addressing journalists in Kilifi, the governor divulged that he had decided to push the much-awaited announcement “in the spirit of the handshake and subsequent co-operation with the ruling coalition”.
“This is therefore to notify you that I shall not be forwarding the name of my deputy governor nominee today to allow for further consultations. I will, however, nominate a suitable deputy governor at the earliest possible opportunity,” he stated.
Sonko went on to read a letter authored by NASA CEO Norman Magaya that backed Wangui as the most suitable candidate to succeed Polycarp Igathe, who resigned in January 2018.
Although her name is not familiar to many, Rahab Wangui is not a stranger in the political circles having vied for the Nairobi Woman Representative seat twice in a row.
She contested for the seat in 2013 and 2017, through a Wiper Democratic Movement - Kenya ticket, losing out to Rachel Shebesh and Esther Passaris respectively.
Wangui has previously served as the Vice Chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake (MYWO) – Nairobi chapter.
She also worked with several humanitarian organizations including Plan International where she served as a Senior Programs Officer.
Apart from having strong leadership skills, Wangui is believed to be a front runner in the race to replace Igathe because of her grassroot mobilization skills.
She is expected to go up against Agnes Kagure, former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru as well as lawyers Karen Nyamu and Jane Weru.
