Bomet County Assembly Speaker Shadrack Rotich has resigned from his position, paving way for his swearing-in as Deputy Governor on Wednesday.

Mr. Rotich tendered his resignation to the clerk of the county assembly Isaac Kitur on Friday. His appointment as deputy governor was approved by ward representatives two weeks ago.

Governor Hillary Barchok is will grace Rotich’s oath of office ceremony at Bomet Green Stadium that will be presided over by Kericho High Court Judge George Dulu.

The ceremony had been delayed for a week after Rotich failed to resign from the speaker position.

Governor Barchok picked him for the position in a surprise move setting off a heated debate. Many had hoped Barchok would settle on a woman as his deputy in honor of late Governor Joyce Laboso.

The governor has however defended his choice of Rotich.

He said his vast experience would help him deliver development in a short period. “A deputy is like a life partner, you make a wrong choice you are doomed and that is why I decided to settle on someone we can work without problem,” said Barchok.

Women leaders have also faulted the governor for his pick.

Maendeleo ya Wanawake Bomet chairperson Sally Kirui said the choice had rolled back gains made in mainstreaming women leadership.

“We had made big strides in women leadership in Bomet but now Governor Barchok has pushed us to back to the drawing board," Kirui said.

Kirui said his choice of Rotich is an indicator that he does not have faith in women leadership despite the late Dr Laboso having confidence in him and picking him as a running mate.

“We will not shy from speaking about it.  This is so shameful and we will let the whole world know we are not happy as women in Bomet,” said Kirui.

Barchok has however stuck to his decision saying Rotich fits the bill to help him deliver development to the residents.

Former Women Representative Cecilia Ngetich said Barchok had made a wrong political move that may see him exit the stage sooner than expected. “He should start packing up to exit in 2022 for going against the wish of electorate and the country,” she said.

Embomos Ward MCA Robert Serbai said the choice of Rotich did not consider regional balance in distribution of positions.

During the burial of Governor Laboso, leaders including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga petitioned Barchok to nominate a woman as his deputy in honor of Laboso.

The Council of Governors (CoG) also said they would wish to see Barchok nominate a woman as his deputy.