Speaker Benson Mutura Sworn-In as Acting Nairobi Governor

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura has been sworn-in as the acting Governor following the impeachment of Mike Sonko.

Mutura was sworn-in by High Court Justice Jairus Ngaah in a ceremony held at City Hall at 10.30 am on Monday.

In his speech, the acting governor promised to unite leaders and provide a smooth transition to the next government.

“I promise to bring together leaders whether you supported the impeachment or not that was your democratic right and no one shall victimize you on any basis,” said Mutura.

Mutura was scheduled to take oath on Friday but the ceremony was postponed after the presiding judge arrived at 2:01 pm, a minute outside the statutory time.

In line with the Assumption of Office Act, Mutura was supposed to be sworn-in not earlier than 10 am and not later than 2 pm. 

He will hold the position in an acting capacity as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) prepares to conduct a fresh election within 60 days.

The law provides that if a vacancy occurs in the office of the governor, the deputy governor shall assume office as governor for the remainder of the term.

Nairobi County has been without a deputy governor after Polycarp Igathe resigned in 2018 citing a frosted relationship with Sonko.

The law states that in the event a vacancy occurs in both the office of governor and deputy governor, the speaker of the county assembly shall act as county governor until a new governor is elected within 60 days after the Speaker assumes the office.

Mutura was elected as the Speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly in August this year after his predecessor Beatrice Elachi resigned.

Sonko was impeached on four charges including gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office, violation of national laws, and lack of mental capacity to run the county government.