Following the death of Bomet Governor, Joyce Laboso, which occured on Monday, the County Executive Committee (CECs) members, appointed by Laboso have been rendered jobless.
The fate of the nine CECs currently lies in the hands of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hillary Barchok, who is set to succeed Dr. Laboso for the remaining period until the next General Election.
This is made clear by Article 179 of the Constitution, which demands that the CECs cease to hold office in the event that there is a vacancy in the Governor's office.
“If a vacancy occurs in the office of county governor, the deputy county governor shall assume office as county governor for the remainder of the term of the county governor,” reads Article 182(2) of the Constitution.
Upon being sworn in as the new Governor, the deputy is at liberty to retain the county executives or make new appointments.
If retained, the county executive committee members will be required to take a fresh oath of office.
The Bomet CECs thus remain unsure of their fate, as they await Barchok's decision.
Reports by Citizen Digital state that the nine CECs include, Justus K. Maina, ICT & Public Service, Andrew Kimutai Sigei, Finance, Justus K. Tuei, Agriculture, Benson Kiplangat Sang, Environment, Joseph Kipruto Ngeno, Medical Services & Public Health, Juliana Yegon, Education, Daisy Chelagat Rono, Land, Philip Kipngeno Sowek, Transport, and Bernard Kipkorir Ng’eno, Youth, Gender and Sports.
The situation at Bomet, brought to light past happenings at Nyeri county, at the demise of former Nyeri Governor, Wahome Gakuru, on November 7, 2017.
The then Deputy Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who is the current Nyeri Governor, chose to retain all the nine CECs who had been appointed by the late Dr. Gakuru.
