NASA tells Sonko to pick their choice for deputy

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko deferred naming his deputy as Nairobi marked exactly a year since the resignation of Polycarp Igathe.

Sonko, who had promised to name a deputy by the end of yesterday instead asked for three more weeks to consult following a request from the National Super Alliance, which wants city politician Rahab Wangui considered for the position.

While displaying a letter from NASA signed by coalition CEO Norman Magaya in Kilifi yesterday, the governor said that in the spirit of the handshake he had decided to consult further before coming up with a name for the post. “I already had a name in mind but this letter from NASA has made me reconsider my options,” said Sonko.

“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,” he said as he reshuffled his Cabinet, which has been faced with numerous exits and sackings leaving it a shell.

Ms Wangui has vied twice to become Nairobi Woman Representative on a Wiper ticket and failed. During the last election she became a distance third after Esther Passaris (ODM) and Rachael Shebesh (Jubilee). She was previously the vice chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation, Nairobi chapter.

Sonko’s surprise move came as he reshuffled his Cabinet by bringing in new faces, all women citing his respect for gender equality. “I have a lot of respect for women. My list of CECs now comprises of five women which is enough testament to by beliefs,” said Sonko. 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).