Johnson Mukuha elected Murang’a County Assembly Speaker

Johnson Mukuha is the new Speaker for the Murang'a County Assembly after being voted for by a majority of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Mukuha garnered 40 votes against his only competitor Stephen Macharia.

The new Speaker takes over from Nduati Kariuki who has served for two terms.

According to assembly clerk Kuria Thuita, the contest had initially attracted seven candidates who picked the nomination papers from his office.

Thuita however said by Sunday only four candidates returned their papers as required by the law.

Out of the four, two did not meet the required guidelines and thus they were disqualified from the race.

"We were only left with two candidates who met all the requirements as the law dictates," said the clerk.

Prior to the voting exercise, the clerk presided over the swearing-in of the elected and nominated MCAs.

46 MCAs took the oath of office with the exception of one member who is yet to be nominated in the special category of people living with disabilities.

Giving his maiden speech after being sworn in, Mukuha said he understands the huge responsibility he has to undertake in leading the assembly.

He acknowledged the numerous task done by his predecessor Nduati Kariuki for laying down the foundation for the assembly despite the teething challenges.

"I will be committed to the course and will work with all the leaders in the best interest of our people," he said.

"I look forward to a robust and composed assembly where we will have motions aimed at benefiting the locals," added Mukuha.

Given that the assembly will play oversight on the county government, Mukuha said he will be impartial in executing his mandate while upholding the rule of law.