NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 16 – Ann Kananu Mwenda is the new Governor of Nairobi County.
Kananu took an oath of office on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by top dignitaries, among them Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director General Mohamed Badi.
She was sworn in by Justice Lilian Mutende effectively kicking off her tenure for the next 10 months before the August 2022 General Election.
“I have sworn to truly and diligently serve the county of Nairobi without fear. I commit to working for and with all of you,” she stated during her swearing-in at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre COMESA grounds.
Kananu has been serving as the County’s Deputy Governor following the impeachment of Mike Sonko in December last year.
The Supreme Court cleared her swearing-in after Sonko lost a petition he filed at the Supreme Court where she sought to block the oath pending the hearing of his case challenging the impeachment.
The apex court stated that it lacked the jurisdiction to consider the appeal.
“I also wish to appreciate Nairobi residents in their diversity, young and old, who have today entrusted me with the huge responsibility to provide the leadership and steer the County in matters that impact on their daily lives and businesses. I have today taken the Governor’s Oath of Office and sworn to truly and diligently serve the County of Nairobi without fear, favor, affection or ill will. And for this, I commit to serve and work for and with all of you,” said Kananu.
Kananu who is now the third and the first female City Governor further stated that she is up to the task and exuded confidence that her service delivery to the residents of Nairobi and the country at large will be impeccable.
“By virtue of the County’s strategic importance, the responsibility bestowed upon me as the Governor of Nairobi is no mean fete. However, I can confidently state that with your support, I am up to the task and will serve you to the very best of my ability,” Kananu said.
Council of Governor’s Chairperson and Embu Governor Martin Wambora has welcomed Kananu to the council offering his support and that of other governors as she takes up her new role.
“I want to congratulate you for your humility and tenacity. You have done your best to contain a lot of challenges and that shows you are a good and a great leader. Your future is bright. Nairobi is lucky and it will be a green city under the sun,” Wambora said.
