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 Nanok.
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.”
Congratulations to Governors Wycliffe Oparanya and Mwangi wa Iria upon their election as the Chairperson and deputy of the COG. They have the requisite experience, commitment and drive to lead the CoG in protecting the gains and promoting the entrenchment of devolution.
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) January 15, 2019
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.
We congratulate our Deputy Party Leader H.E. @GovWOparanya the Governor of Kakamega County on his election as chairman of Council of Governors. We are confident that he will discharge his duties diligently & push for the strengthening of Devolution which is one of our pillars.
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) January 14, 2019
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).