Faces and records of men and women on the race to be appointed Nyeri Deputy Governor

So far six candidates have declared interests and contacted the governor Mutahi Kahiga hoping to get his blessings.

“I will be looking for Gakuru when I am picking my deputy. Someone who will compliment and complete me. They must share in the late governor’s vision and be ready and willing to implement it,” he said.

The deputy governor’s seat fell vacant after Mr Kahiga took over as governor following the death of the county’s third governor, Wahome Gakuru, in a tragic crash at Kabati in Murang’a along the Nyeri-Nairobi highway.

The governor, who has already announced interest to defend his seat in the next election, will consider someone without political ambitions to avoid a falling-out that may cost him the seat in 2022.

He is therefore keen on picking a technocrat who is unlikely to challenge him.

Here are the faces and records of the six candidates hoping to become second in command in Nyeri County.

Dr Stephen Gachie

The former teacher-turned-politician is a consultant with StreetWise Marketing and Communications Ltd and has experience spanning 14 years in managerial positions, which is his selling point.

According to sources close to the governor, Dr Gachie who hails from Mukurwe-inifor the seat was a member of Dr Gakuru’s campaign secretariat and played a major role in securing his victory in the August 8 elections.

Members of Dr Gakuru’s secretariat are fronting him for the seat.

Wachira Keen

Athi Water Services Board chairman Wachira Keen is on the race to become second in command and his technical background in the corporate world may favor him.

Samuel Wamathai

The former governor Samuel Wamathai, after unsuccessfully vying for the top seat in the just concluded elections wants to return to his former position.

He describes himself as the most suitable candidate for the seat citing his four years’ experience as deputy governor.

The former ambassador served as the county’s second governor for five months after the death of Governor Nderitu Gachagua in February 2017.

Priscilla Nyokabi

The former Woman Rep Priscilla Nyokabi expressed interest in the job during Dr Gakuru’s burial and is banking on gender consideration to win the position.

“Give me a job. I am now jobless but very ready to serve if given an opportunity,” she said without mincing her words during the sombre occassion.

Irene Njeri

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Vice-Chairperson, Irene Njeri is reported to have contacted Governor Mutahi Kahiga seeking to be his assistant.

Her only female challenger is Ms Nyokabi but she may have an edge over her because she is has no prior politician experience and therefore unikely to vie for the top seat in 2022.

David Mugo

Former Speaker David Mugo is also said to be secretly lobbying for the seat and has the backing of Senator Ephraim Maina who enjoys influence in the county.