Why Governor Sonko delayed to pick deputy

Governor Mike Sonko (pictured) may take a little bit longer to name his deputy after he signaled willingness to hand the position to opposition NASA coalition. 

A fortnight ago, Sonko postponed unveiling his new deputy, over a year after Polycarp Igathe quit, citing a request by NASA to have Rahab Wangui of Wiper party picked.

However just day later, NASA sent a second name of Jane Muringi (ODM). It’s now emerging that Sonko may bypass the two following ongoing consultations with Opposition leader Raila Odinga

The move is informed by Sonko’s desire to ensure ethnic balance in his cabinet which already has three of the ten appointees from the Kikuyu community.

Given both Ms. Muringi and Wangui come from the same region, Sonko is said to have been given option of picking an ethnic Luo. Former Langata MP Joshua Olum and ex-SONU chairman David Osiany’s names have been fronted.

Individuals around Raila are said to be pushing for Osiany, given his role during the 2017 elections where he joined youth campaigns (ODM reloaded) but also as the face of the opposition in TV shows during the electioneering period.

Due to the manures of seeking to balance, Sonko has signaled that Nairobians may have to wait a little bit longer to know who takes over from Igathe.

“Nairobi is a big city that requires a lot of consultation before any decision is made. And this is what I am going to do,” the Governor said while announcing his new look cabinet.

“I already had a name in mind but this letter from NASA has made me reconsider my options,” he added as he named 5 women to his cabinet.

In the Cabinet changes, the governor brought in Stella Bosire-Otieno (Health), Lucia Mulwa (Education, Youth and Sports), Pauline Kahiga Waititu (Public Service), Winfred Kathangu (Finance and Economics), and Sanjeev Birdi (Education).

He retained Charles Kerich (Lands, Urban Planning and Housing), Allan Igambi (Trade tourism and cooperatives), Larry Wambua (Water and Agriculture), Mohamed Dagane (Roads, Infrastructure and Transport) and Newton Munene (ICT).

The City boss has also to consult widely among lawyers whether it’s possible for him to pick a member of another party as his deputy in situation where his jubilee party has no written coalition agreement with the opposition.