Ann Kananu Takes Over Nairobi Leadership

Anne Kananu Mwenda addresses MCAs during her vetting exercise at the Nairobi County Assembly on Friday, January 15, 2021
Anne Kananu Mwenda addresses MCAs during her vetting exercise at the Nairobi County Assembly on Friday, January 15, 2021
File

Newly sworn in Nairobi Deputy Governor Ann Mwenda Kananu has taken over the reigns, and is now in charge of the Kenya's capital.

Kananu was handed the city's instruments of power by Nairobi Speaker Benson Mutura at an event held in Nairobi, barely three days after she was sworn in as the Deputy Governor.

In her acceptance speech, Kananu clarified that she was not a politician, and that she would strive to boost collaboration in the region.

"I am not a politician, and I will not start being one. I’m focused on bringing a new spirit of cooperation, collaboration, partnership and mutual respect with all organs of government. Nairobi is now back on course," she state.

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura
Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura
File

She also promised to have appointments made within 14 days even as a team works on a process likely to see her assume office in the position of acting governor.

"We have the assumption (of the Office of Governor) Committee that is working on the process (for her to be sworn in. We will communicate," she added.

Mwenda was sworn in as Deputy Governor at the Kenya International Conventional Centre (KICC) on Friday, January 15.

She thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta during the event, and vowed to serve with dedication, focus and integrity.

"I thank his excellency the president Uhuru Kenyatta for showing faith in me in serving in this position. I also thank Mike Mbuvi Sonko for having faith in me and nominating me into this position.

"I affirm my commitment to serve the people of Nairobi with utmost dedication, focus, discipline and integrity. I equally commit to work, cooperate closely with NMS boss Major General Badi to ensure transferred functions are strengthened to meet aspirations of Nairobians," she stated.

Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi, in a call to Kenyans.co.ke, however, termed Kananu's swearing in illegal.

The lawyer added that the swearing in could be challenged and successfully quashed by the court.

"There can be no greater manifestation of an illegal enterprise than what has happened today in the Nairobi Assembly even if they were to make her governor, that's an illegality," Havi stated.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was impeached in December 2020 after being accused of misuse of office.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
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