Sonko to Name Deputy Governor from Nyanza

Image result for Sonko with Raila

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been on the spot over the delay in filling the deputy governor’s post over a year now since his former Deputy Polycarp Igathe resigned after he failed to earn the trust of the governor.

In August last year, the governor drew up a list which featured four women namely former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru, corporate guru Agnes Kagure and lawyers Karen Nyamu and Jane Weru.

Image result for Sonko with Raila

This was later in October whittled down to Ms. Nyamu and Ms. Weru. However, nothing has happened since.

Sonko is said to be shopping for a deputy in a bid to comply with the new law drafted by Kiambu senator Kimani Wamatangi that was assented to by Uhuru Kenyatta recently.

Reports now indicate that the city’s governor is planning on nomination a deputy from the Luo Nyanza with a possibility of also picking one from Western Kenya among the Luhya community.

Deputy President William Ruto

Sonko had earlier on stated that he would only appoint a deputy if the assembly passed a law that required him to do so.

According to sources from the city hall, Sonko is also alive to the fact that the Kikuyu community, which voted for him almost to a man is the last polls, is likely to field or back another candidate, and hence a face that is the best bet to bring in the Luo votes to his basket.

The governor is also aware that Evans Kidero is likely to make a comeback through ODM.

To win the Luo votes, Sonko has been bankrolling Gor Mahia Football Club, the latest being his gesture to dish out Sh1 million to the players ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup clash with RS Berkane in Morocco.

The governor wired some Sh500, 000 to the team captain Haron Shakava to receive on behalf of the players via Western Union, with a promise that the balance would be wired the next day.

Image result for Sonko with Ruto

Last year, Sonko deferred naming his deputy and instead asked for more weeks to consult allegedly following a request from the National Super Alliance, which wanted city politician Rahab Wangui considered for the position.

Insiders say the governor is also considering picking former Nairobi town clerk Philip Kisia as his deputy. Kisia is a Luhya.

Of late, the former Nairobi town clerk has been defending Sonko saying city residents should applaud him for, in his words, instilling financial discipline and institutionalizing the fight against corruption.

Image result for Sonko with Ruto

The sources also add that the governor is toying with the idea of joining Kieleweke, a group that is opposed to William Ruto taking over from Uhuru Kenyatta but fears that its proponents such as nominated MP Maina Kamanda will fight tooth and nail to ensure he does not get the Jubilee Party ticket.

Sonko has been Ruto’s staunch supporter in the past owing to the fact that William Ruto helped him clinched the governorship post after being threatened by Peter Kenneth who was then said to be having support from Uhuru’s wing of the government.

In 2018, Sonko exposed overnight meetings by some of the Mt. Kenya MPs planning to counter Ruto’s  2022 presidential race. Sonko has also been rumoured to be in a good position to Deputize William Ruto in 2022.

 

 

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