The race for the influential chairperson position of the Council of Governors (CoG) is heating up, with at least four candidates vying to succeed outgoing chairperson Ann Waiguru, who has held the role since September 2022.
Supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto are strategizing on how to share leadership roles in the upcoming lineup, particularly regarding the chairperson’s position. Following a recent political agreement between Mr Odinga and President Ruto aimed at fostering a broad-based government, there’s strong speculation that ODM will secure the chairperson role, with a UDA candidate likely to serve as deputy.
Waiguru, finishing her final term, is ineligible for re-election and has not publicly named her preferred successor. Reports indicate that Ruto’s and Odinga’s factions have reached a deal to exclude allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from top leadership positions and chairing significant committees.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has expressed interest in the chairmanship, but both the Ruto and Odinga factions have dismissed his candidacy due to his loyalty to Gachagua. Given the current tensions between Ruto and his deputy, it seems unlikely that any Gachagua ally will ascend to a prominent role in the new administration. Many have advised Kahiga to withdraw to avoid potential humiliation in a voting scenario, although chairperson elections typically rely on consensus.
Ahmed Abdullahi, the Governor of Wajir and the current Vice Chairperson of the CoG is also a contender, having secured his election under the ODM banner. Sources suggest he may emerge as a consensus candidate to succeed Waiguru.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku (ODM) has also declared his interest in the chairperson role. He previously ran against Waiguru but withdrew after a failed consensus agreement. It remains unclear whether Raila has endorsed Lenku’s candidacy, and insiders indicate that many of Ruto’s allies are uncomfortable with Lenku’s stance toward the Kenya Kwanza administration. Lenku faces considerable political obstacles from Ruto’s supporters in Kajiado County.
Analysts believe Abdullahi has the best chance of succeeding Waiguru, bolstered by his two terms as deputy vice chair and his ties to a minority community, which may enhance his appeal.
Previous CoG chairpersons include Isaac Ruto (Bomet, 2013-2015), Peter Munya (Meru, 2015-2017), Josphat Nanok (Turkana, 2017-2019), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega, 2019-2021), and Martin Wambora (Embu, 2021-2022). Former Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya was elected chairperson in December 2017 but did not complete his term, with Nanok serving as the CoG chief at that time.
