According to a proposal by the Devolution Ministry, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Ali Roba of Mandera will be the first to be sworn-in on Thursday/COSMUS MWONGELA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15 – The newly elected 47 governors will be sworn into office beginning Thursday until next week.
According to a proposal by the Devolution Ministry, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Ali Roba of Mandera will be the first to be sworn-in on Thursday.
They will be followed on Friday by Onesmus Njuki, Martin Wambora, Mwangi Wa Iria, Joseph ole Lenku, Jackson Mandago and Paul Chepkwony.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri stated that Nairobi Governor-elect Mike Sonko and Granton Samboja of Taita Taveta will be sworn in on Monday next week followed by Hassan Joho and Charity Ngilu on Tuesday.
“In Mombasa, we have the Governor-elect that is Ali Hassan Joho, proposed date will be August 22nd 2017 at Mama Ngina Drive. In Kwale, Salim Mvurya 21st August 2017 at Kwale Baraza Park. In Kilifi, Amason Kingi, the same at Karisa Maitha Gardens,” he stated.
He further explained that the ministry is working closely with the winners and county government officials to ensure a smooth transition.
“All counties confirmed the dates and places of swearing in by yesterday, that is 14th August 2017 and submitted the draft Gazette notices announcing the same for publication,” he stated.
“The Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary and Secretariat members will be making a tour of select counties starting Wednesday August 2017 to ensure that all necessary preparations are concluded as required,” he said.
He stated that the once the dates are gazetted, then the exercises will promptly take place.
“The legal notice is clear. What we have given is the final dates because we have set in the legal requirement, if the governor is ready for swearing in even tomorrow, we shall do it,” he said.
“But first of all we have to get the legal gazette notice. When that is out, we already have it at the Attorney General’s office then we can go ahead.”
He emphasised that the success of those elected into office showed the kind of faith invested in them.
“I would also like to specifically congratulate the 47 Governors elect and Members of the County Assembles who are waiting to be sworn-in. Their success is a sure sign that the electorate has faith in them,” he stated.
He stated that once the swearing-in ceremonies are complete, the dates of the first sittings of the respective County Assemblies will be set.
According to the ministry, this is in line with the Constitution and the State Department of Devolution is currently coordinating preparations of the procedure and ceremony for the assumption of the office.
A comeback by veterans, new entrants, and some incumbents fending off stiff competition captured the mood in the counties during the elections last week.
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