Anne Waiguru Clinches Council of Governors Chair Seat for Second Time

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has been re-elected as the Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) without any opposition.

Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has been chosen as her deputy. According to her assistant, Waiguru will steer her second term as CoG chairperson towards achieving complete decentralization of functions and resources. Other areas of spotlight include increasing the allocation of funds to counties, endorsing counties to drive better-localized revenue generation, putting the universal healthcare plan into action, strengthening agriculture value-added chains, supporting value addition, and facilitating trade.

The other committee chairpersons have maintained their respective positions with the exception of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja who relinquished his role as head of Human Resources. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has since been appointed to this position. Additionally, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has stepped in place of Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti as the Trade chairperson. Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi has taken over as the Security committee chairperson from Tana River Governor Dhadho Godana.

The governors have indicated their wish to address specific concerns before the National Dialogue Committee and push for certain modifications. One of their proposals aims to institute impeachment provisions, which would mirror those applied to the President, as a means of curtailing any abuse of the impeachment process. They are also seeking to have provisions for the recall of Members of Parliament applied to them as well.

Meanwhile, Senator Gloria Orwoba has defended her place in the Senate, attributing it to persistent hard work and dedication. Speaking on Spice FM in an interview on Monday, Orwoba shared her hopes of being elected in future contests rather than being nominated. She emphasized that, like any other politician, she campaigned for a position in the government.

Orwoba has a history of controversy including her recent suspension over sexual misconduct allegations. Consequently, she has been banned from attending Senate sessions. This means she will forfeit all allowances and is also prohibited from travelling internationally. Upon the Senate's resumption, it will be mandatory for her to apologize to the Senate.