Why governors and their deputies are now happy to read from the same script

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko before a Parliamentary Committee. He fell out with his deputy Polycarp Igathe, who resigned later. [Photo: Standard]

Reforms at the Council of Governors (CoG) that have seen deputy governors granted more powers have led to reduced tension between them and their bosses.

Deputy Governors are no longer fighting with their bosses as compared to a few years ago when the public was treated to unending cases of disagreements.

Initially, deputies would engage their bosses in public spats over what they termed irreconcilable differences with their bosses.

According to Laikipia Deputy Governor John Mwaniki, who doubles up as the chairperson of the 47 deputies' caucus - Deputy Governors Forum - the good working relationship is a result of a dialogue.

"Initially we were not part of the CoG forum but because of the push for reforms, we have been accepted and that is why there are minimal cases of differences with our bosses," Mr Mwaniki said.

"We are happy that governors now understand the strength of their deputies and through our forums, we have been accommodated in all the county plans."

Devolution conference

Mwaniki explained that during the upcoming devolution conference in Kirinyaga, for example, deputies would be given a chance to chair sessions, unlike before, where there was a wide gap between deputies and their bosses.

Mwaniki's sentiments were echoed by Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Stanley Tarus. Mr Tarus observed that the current working environment was conducive for the promotion of development.

“Most deputies have changed their focus to forge ahead instead of constantly complaining about their governors,” said Tarus.

He noted that most deputy governors whose relationship with their bosses had completely broken down, were fired.

Tarus said constant meetings between the governors and their deputies had also made a good impact.

"Last week we were in Naivasha and we had a good session with the new CoG chair Wycliffe Oparanya, along with various commissions such as Revenue Allocation and Controller of Budgets in order to understand more of what goes on in the country," Tarus said.

Quarterly meetings

In January, deputy governors gathered in Nairobi for their quarterly meetings, where they reaffirmed their commitment to ensure all administrative businesses in counties were done effectively. 

At the same time, almost half of the deputies are eyeing their bosses' seats, given that most governors are serving their last terms.

As the two-term governors prepare their exit in the 2022 General Election, their deputies are mooting strategies to occupy their seats.

A number of them have been silently following in the shadows of the county chiefs with their eyes firmly set on replacing them.

The acrimonious relationship between county bosses and their deputies was more pronounced between 2013 and 2017 when devolution was just setting in.

In Mombasa, for example, Governor Hassan Joho at one point locked his Deputy Hazel Katana’s office.

She was accused of using the office she was allocated to front Jubilee Party affairs.

In Kisii, James Ongwae’s deputy Joash Maangi controversially decamped to Jubilee from Orange Democratic Movement, only to return shortly after.

Mr Maangi is now hoping to replace Mr Ongwae come 2022.

"I have a huge following and I remain a powerful politician in the region because of my role in the Gusii political landscape.

Kisii politics

"I cannot be excluded when talking of Kisii politics, even as we eye 2022," said Maangi.

Maangi said he played a critical role in the election of Ongwae in 2013 and his subsequent reelection in 2017.

In Uasin Gishu, Governor Jackson Mandago's deputy Daniel Chemno, who has worked well with his boss since they were elected in 2013, wants to replace him.

Best governor

“I am lucky to have the best governor in the country. We are always in sync and always strive to ensure that services are rendered to the public. At the moment, my options for a political seat are wide open,” said Mr Chemno.

In Kwale, the deputy governor Fatuma Achani has publicly expressed her interest in succeeding her boss Salim Mvurya, who is serving his last term.

The two have enjoyed close working relations. Mr Mvurya has occasionally drummed up support for Ms Achani as 2022 draws close.

“I am a good planner and it would be good if I am given a chance to become the next governor, because I believe in continuity of a development agenda," said Achani.

But even as the relationships thaw, it is notable that Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been without a deputy for months.

Polycarp Igathe quit his position as Nairobi Deputy Governor and re turned to the private sector.

In Kiambu, things were so bad that the ruling Jubilee Party had to intervene to reconcile Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his Deputy James Nyoro.