Raila Endorses President Kenyatta's Cousin for Nairobi Deputy Governor Seat

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has thrown his weight behind President Kenyatta's cousin, Ann Nyokabi, to replace Polycarp Igathe as the new Nairobi Deputy Governor.

Speaking on Monday when Nyokabi paid him a courtesy call at his Capitol Hill office in Nairobi, Raila noted that the former Kiambu Woman Representative has all it takes to fill the position that fell vacant after Igathe's resignation in January.

“I have known Nyokabi for a long time and her record as an MP speaks for itself, especially when it comes to promotion of gender equality, economic empowerment and wealth creation,” Raila said as quoted by The Star.

Odinga also urged Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to move with speed and name his deputy to fill the lacuna.

On her side, Nyokabi commended Raila over his support for women leadership. She also endorsed the unity pact reached between Odinga and President Kenyatta.

In his resignation, Igathe cited failure to win Sonko's trust as the reason for his stepping down.

“Dear Nairobians, it is with a heavy heart that I resign my seat as elected Deputy Governor of Nairobi City County effective 1pm on 31st Jan 2018. I regret I have failed to earn the trust of the Governor to enable me to drive Administration and Management of the county,” he wrote on Twitter.