Azimio primed to clinch CoG chair position

Outgoing Council of Governors Chairperson and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru flanked by other Governors address the press at the Delta Towers, Nairobi on Monday,October 02, 2023. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya is in pole position to produce the next chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) in elections slated for tomorrow.
Several candidates have declared their interest in succeeding outgoing chairperson Anne Waiguru, whose two-year term is ending.

The 47 county bosses will meet at a Nairobi hotel for an extraordinary session to elect new officials.

The Sunday Standard has learnt that the governors favour consensus to elect their officials.

After two years at the helm, President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance is believed to be willing to cede the influential position to their erstwhile rivals cum partners now in a working arrangement.

Among those interested in the chairperson role include Governors Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and CoG vice chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir (Wajir), all of whom are from Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement party.

From Ruto’s side, those keen to succeed Waiguru include Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) and Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi). 

The seat has historically been decided through a bipartisan process, which will likely play out in light of Ruto’s truce and working arrangement with Raila. They are currently teaming up to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s dalliance with Gachagua could prove detrimental to his chances. But all Kenya Kwanza governors could end up shelving their ambitions to support an ODM candidate. 

Ole Lenku, who previously shelved his bid in 2022, is the current front-runner, given political developments over the last few weeks. His strongest competitor, Wanga, recently ascended to the ODM chairperson position and there is talk within ODM that she should be satisfied with the role. 

On the other hand, Jiir has served as vice chair and, going by the CoG’s tradition, is unlikely to scale one office higher. The second-term governor is a vocal ally of Raila’s in the North Eastern region.

The race for vice chairperson is also attracting interest from, among others, Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a) and Njuki, who is trying out his luck across both seats. 

Raila will be instrumental in deciding the next chair and is pushing to sway Ruto to accept an Azimio candidate. The two enjoy good relations that have seen Ruto make concessions, such as ceding prime Cabinet slots to the opposition Azimio coalition. 

The Kajiado governor was prevailed upon to step down for Waiguru to have a woman occupy the position. 

“We do consensus as colleagues. This is a free service and anyone can lead us. However, of course, consensus comes after the majority are convinced you are better placed to take the entity to the next level,” said Lenku. 

“My party leader is aware. We have discussed the matter. We strongly feel it is the party’s time to serve Kenyans at that level. On Monday (tomorrow), my colleagues will make their decision,” he added. 

Previous chairpersons have been former governors Isaac Ruto, Peter Munya, Josphat Nanok, Wycliffe Oparanya and Martin Wambora.

The chairperson is the face of the CoG, whose duties include offering a collective voice on policy issues and promoting inter-county consultations, among others
Previous holders have often been vocal about enhancing devolution and have never shied from confronting the national government for delayed disbursements of county cash.

Leadership and management expert Gitile Naituli said the governors should elect someone who believes in devolution.