What city MCAs think of Sonko’s list of Deputy Governor candidates
The shortlisting of four candidates for the Nairobi County deputy governor’s post has elicited mixed reactions in the county.
On Wednesday, Governor Mike Sonko listed former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru, corporate guru Agnes Kagure, lawyers Karen Nyamu and Jane Weru as possible candidates in bid to replace Polycarp Igathe who resigned from the position in January.
The names have been forwarded to the Jubilee Party leadership for a final word on the best prospect, Mr Sonko revealed.
While the news has been received positively by Jubilee leaders, a section of opposition leaders have trashed it as ‘the usual shenanigans employed by the governor to buy time’.
SUPREME COURT ADVISORY
Nairobi County Assembly Minority Whip Peter Imwatok on Thursday asked Governor Sonko to immediately nominate a new deputy governor, pointing out that at no time did an advisory by the Supreme Court direct that the governor should shortlist four women.
“We are demanding that Sonko appoints a deputy governor without the shenanigans we are witnessing. The advisory said he should nominate a person within 14 days of the vacancy now it is more than seven months,” said Mr Imwatok.
The Makongeni Ward ODM MCA said the opposition have no problem with the four nominees, but the governor should stop being indecisive and make a decision on whom he wants to nominate.
“They are women of integrity and should not be played with. If he wants to appoint one, let him go ahead but notengage in games,” added Mr Imwatok.
He, however, tore into an assertion by Governor Sonko that he had nominated lawyer Miguna Miguna but the latter was rejected by the Assembly.
“Miguna was not rejected as he was not vetted. The Assembly did a return letter because he did not meet the required threshold and so he should have nominated another person,” said the ODM MCA.
FINAL CHOICE
Majority Whip Chege Mwaura said Jubilee Party had no issue with the nominees and would wait for the final choice but the candidate should demonstrate compatibility with the governor.
“We just want someone who can work with the governor and move the county forward,” said Mr Mwaura.
Kenya Young Members of County Assembly chairperson June Ndegwa, a nominated MCA in Nairobi, also backed the move, saying all the nominees had the potential to serve Nairobi residents if appointed.
Kariokor MCA Millicent Mugadi, too, lauded the Governor saying a woman would represent the residents interests better.