Nyoro under pressure to name deputy amid intense lobbying
Days after James Nyoro took the oath of office as the new Kiambu governor, leaders from Kiambu East are piling pressure on him to nominate a female deputy from the region.
Nyoro had been serving in the position in acting capacity after his boss Ferdinand Waititu was barred by the court from accessing the office till his corruption-related case is heard and determined.
Waititu was barred from accessing office in July, impeached on December 19 by Kiambu county Assembly and the impeachment approved by the Senate on Wednesday last week necessitating Nyoro’s take over.
The Nyoro’s swearing in on Friday by High Court judge John Onyiego at the county headquarters left the deputy governor position vacant.
And now, leaders want him to not only nominate a deputy but to also consider one from Kiambu East and most importantly a woman for gender balance.
High population
Kiambu East constitutes Gatundu (North and South), Thika, Juja and Ruiru constituencies from which the county draws most of its revenue owing to its population and presence of industries. Nyoro is from Kiambu West.
In a press briefing in Juja on Saturday evening, Kiambu East Leaders Forum called for the appointment of a female candidate from the region, citing such as the surest way to ensure proper representation of all persons at the county leadership.
So far, Aquiline Njoki, former Ruiru MP Esther Gathogo, former Kiambu Woman rep Ann Nyokabi, Gladys Chania, Esther Wanjiru, David Kariuki alias Gakuyo, all from Kiambu East, are said to be eying the position.
Loyal leader
Professionals from the region said Nyoro should consider a loyal leader who will help him push his development agenda.
Led by Muiga Rugara, the leaders said the decision to appoint a deputy governor is a prerogative of the sitting governor and urged Nyoro to be swift in filling the vacancy.
“Kiambu East is mostly populated and they determine who the next governor becomes. We have more industries and thereby raises more revenue than the other region.
It’s our time to get quality and appropriate representation at the governor’s office. We specifically want a woman because women are keen and they care,” said Rugara.
“We have been sidelined and neglected on matters development before. We now want a leader from this region, a woman to represent our interest at the governor’s office.
It’s our time and we hope Nyoro will heed to our request,” Jacinta Wanja, a member of the forum said.
During his swearing in, Nyoro promised to consider gender and regional balance in the appointment of his deputy.
He said he had outlined his agenda for Kiambu people with priority being good road network, agriculture, and healthcare.
“It is time to deliver services to the people of Kiambu and recover the lost time and promote economic empowerment was come,” he said.
