Former Governors Who Refused to Show Up For Successor's Swearing In

Raila Odinga with Meru Governor KIraitu Murungi at a past graduation ceremony
Raila Odinga with Meru Governor KIraitu Murungi at a past graduation ceremony

A number of former governors failed to show up during the swearing in fete of their successors on Thursday, August 25.

Some of the outgoing county chiefs who were floored in the just concluded General Election sent apologies and even representatives.

But were they justified not showing up to handover the instruments of power? After all, politics is a game of winning and losing.

Kenyans.co.ke samples some of the outgoing governors who were missing in action for a handshake with their successors.

Kiraitu Murungi

Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi who vied on a 'mbus' ticked allied to Azimio did not show up.

Muringi, a former powerful Cabinet Minister was seeking a re-election but was humiliated by an independent candidate and current governor Kawira Mwangaza.

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi in his office.
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi in his office.
Twitter

The Harvard schooled lawyer lost his first election in over three decades after he garnered 110,850 votes in third position after ex-Senator Senator Mithika Linturi at 183, 859 votes while Governor Kawira garnered 209,158 votes.

Lee Kinyanjui

Lee Kinyanjui of Jubilee party also didn't grace the fete of the newly sworn-in Governor Susan Kihika Mburu of Nakuru County. Kihika was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

A photo of Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui speaking to journalists his office on November 6, 2019.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui speaking to journalists in his office on November 6, 2019.
File

Kinyanjui protested the election outcome, claiming massive irregularities and said he would move to court to challenge Kihika's victory.

Francis Kimemia

Francis Kimemia, the former Nyandarua county boss sent an apology letter to his successor Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha with an excuse that was attending a burial ceremony of his relative.

Nyandarua County Governor Francis Kimemia at Kenya School of Government (KSG), Lower Kabete in Kiambu during a Consultative Devolution meeting. Thursday, February 20, 2020
Nyandarua County Governor Francis Kimemia at Kenya School of Government (KSG), Lower Kabete in Kiambu during a Consultative Devolution meeting. Thursday, February 20, 2020.

Kimemia is also among Azimio governors who disputed the August 9 election saying he would move to court to challenge the outcome.

Martin Wambora

The outgoing Embu governor Martin Wambora also didn't grace his successor's fete, Governor Cecil Mbarire. The former nominated Member of Parliament vied on a UDA ticket.

Mbarire was declared the Governor of Embu County after she garnered 108,610 votes against her closest rival Lenny Kivuti of Jubilee who managed 105,346 votes.

Council of Governors Chairman Martin Wambora pictured during the extra ordinary Council meeting held on April 19, 2021.
Council of Governors Chairman Martin Wambora pictured during the Extra-ordinary Council meeting held on April 19, 2021.
Twitter

Wambora who served his second and final term is among Mt. Kenya politicians who threw their weight behind Raila Odinga's presidency in Mt. Kenya.

The Assumption of the Office of Governor Act 2019 requires the outgoing governor to pass over key items after signing the certificate of inauguration.

These items include the county flag, county court of arms, the constitution, and the county public seal.

Susan Kihika taking her oath as Nakuru Governor in Nakuru on August 25, 2022
Susan Kihika taking her oath as Nakuru Governor in Nakuru on August 25, 2022
Kenyans.co.ke