Swearing-in of New Nyeri Governor Postponed Indefinitely

The Swearing-in of Nyeri Deputy Governor Mutahi Kahiga as the new Governor of Nyeri County has been postponed indefinitely.

Kahiga was set to take Oath of Office on Thursday after the death of his boss Dr. Wahome Gakuru, who perished following a grisly road crash along Thika-Kenol highway at Kabati area on Tuesday.

Nyeri County Minister for Infrastructure and Communication Muthui Kariuki said the postponement came after an advice from Council of Governors led by Chairman Josphat Nanok.

In a press briefing on Tuesday at Serena hotel, Governors had raised concerns over the immediate swearing-in of deputy governors upon the death of governors.

Article 182 of the Constitution states that, when the office of the County Governor becomes vacant due to among other reasons; death, the deputy governor assumes office for the remainder of the term.

Dr Gakuru became the second Nyeri Governor to die while in office after late Governor Nderitu Gachagua, who died in February, 2017 while undergoing cancer treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, United Kingdom.

The then Nyeri County Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai was sworn-in two days after Gachagua's death for the remainder of the term running to August 8th election.

Wahome Gakuru will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 18 at his home in Nyeri.