The contest to replace Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru as chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) is heating up, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s camp pitted against President William Ruto’s faction and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga (UDA), who is a close ally of Gachagua, is preparing for a showdown against current CoG deputy chairperson Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi (ODM).
Both have submitted their candidatures ahead of the September 30 deadline. The move comes after a perceived division in UDA, with President William Ruto allegedly dividing the mountain into East and West.
Mt Kenya East will be headed by CS Kithure Kindiki, who is perceived to be President William Ruto’s darling, with the West battling with DP Riagthi Gachagua.
While the CoG chair is officially an elected position, governors have historically opted for consensus, factoring in party loyalty, regional balance, and gender considerations.
An election notice schedules the polls for October 7, 2024, during an ordinary CoG meeting.
This meeting will also address the selection of a host region for the 9th Devolution Conference in 2025, as well as the election of the whip and committee chairs.
