While many celebrated the rise of Kakamega’s governor to the executive chair of the Council of Governors, it was a puzzle to others who claim they were duped of the position.
Congratulations ! @GovWOparanya upon your election as chairman @KenyaGovernors .The same also goes to V/Chair @MwangiWaIria @governorkibwana and the whole leadership committee .Your victory will certainly deliver concrete solutions towards #StrengtheningDevolution in Kenya ?? pic.twitter.com/1Cs1A4yfoD
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) January 14, 2019
Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya has opposed the election of Wycliffe Oparanya as the Council of Governors chairman.
Mvurya said no election was supposed to be held as the council had taken a position in 2017 to have him (Mvurya) succeed the incumbent Josephat.
He further questioned the integrity of the council by vacating its decision of having a transition to another leadership without holding an election.
His dissenting views were contrary to those of other Western Kenya leaders who congratulated Oparanya on his win.
Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi said: “CoG needed these experienced pair of hands to hold fort for and enhanced system of devolution, especially so at this time when the country is debating constitutional changes.”
The Orange Democratic Movement also lauded Oparanya for an ‘exemplary track record’ as Kakamega Governor for six years saying his new role shows the confidence that his counterparts have in him.
Governor Oparanya won the seat in an election held on Monday in Nairobi trouncing opponents Mvurya, Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu).