Mike Sonko Nominates Rachael Shebesh, Five Other Women for Vacant Nairobi Deputy Governor Seat

Governor Mike Sonko has submitted to the  County Assembly nominees for the position Nairobi Deputy Governor.

Sonko's list to the County Assembly contains names of five nominees - all women - to fill the seat that fell vacant after the resignation of Polycarp Igathe.

In a post on social media titled ‘The Incoming Deputy Governor’ Sonko said he had forwarded names of the five to the Speaker of Nairobi County Assembly Beatrice Elachi for consideration.

“Pursuant to the Supreme Court advisory opinion I have today forwarded a list of 5 nominees to the speaker of the county assembly Hon. Beatrice Elachi for consideration,” said part of his statement.

“I have also directed the Nairobi county assembly to have a special sitting tomorrow through a special gazette notice to be issued later today after 12pm. The Honorable members of the Nairobi county assembly will vet, debate and finally vote to decide who becomes the 3rd Deputy Governor of Nairobi City County.” He said.

Those nominated include; former Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh, former ODM nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro, Citizen TV news presenter Ann Kiguta, Lawyer Karen Nyamu and city business lady Agness Kariuki.

Two weeks ago, Sonko had released a list of 22 names of individuals he would consider in picking up Igathe's replacement.

This came after the Supreme Court ruled that governors were free to nominate their deputies within 14 days, if the seat becomes vacant. The County Assembly will approve the nominees within 60 days after which the successful appointee will assume office.

In his resignation, Igathe cited failure to earn Sonko's faith as the reason for his stepping down.

"I regret I have failed to earn the trust of the Governor to enable me to drive Admin & Management of the county. Without fear, favour or ill will I step down to avoid abusing or betraying my oath of office to Kenyans, Nairobians and my family. Thank you for the encouraging support given to me so far,” he said in a post on his Twitter account in January.