Lamu County Assembly approves Mbarak Bahjaj as deputy governor
Mbarak was nominated for the position following the death of Raphael Munyua Ndung’u on September 6, 2024, leaving the seat vacant for nearly half a year.
After six months without a deputy governor, the Lamu County Assembly has finally approved Mohamed Mbarak Bahjaj for the position. 11 MCAs voted in favour, while seven were absent.
Mbarak was nominated for the position following the death of Raphael Munyua Ndung’u on September 6, 2024, leaving the seat vacant for nearly half a year.
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Lamu Governor Issa Timamy had earlier faced resistance from MCAs over his initial nominee, James Gichu, whose appointment was rejected twice in October and November 2024 due to ethnic considerations.
Confirming the nomination on Thursday, Lamu County Assembly Speaker Ali Azhar Mbarak said the necessary legal processes had been followed.
“We received the name of Dr. Mohamed Mbarak Bahjaj from Governor Issa Timamy in the county assembly as his nominee for the Deputy Governor position. My duty is now to ensure all that is required is done as per the law and as per the stipulated period,” Ali said.
Mbarak is currently the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Sanitation, and Environment and is widely credited for improving healthcare in Lamu.
Since 2022, he has overseen the establishment of six maternity wings in Mpeketoni, Maisha Masha, Mkunumbi, Mokowe, Siyu, and Ndau to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. He also played a key role in reopening the Mangai Dispensary in Boni Forest, which had remained closed for over a decade due to Al-Shabaab attacks.
Born on February 27, 1981, Mbarak is a certified senior medical officer with over 15 years of experience in internal medicine, public health management, and reforms.
He holds a master’s degree in public health management from the James Lind Institute in Geneva, Switzerland, and is currently pursuing a master of science in health systems management and development at Amret International University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from Egerton University.
His approval as deputy governor comes amid concerns from constitutional experts over the prolonged vacancy. Constitutional lawyer Bob Mkangi had warned that Lamu County risked a legal crisis if the position remained unfilled.
“Section 32 of the County Governments Act states that the Deputy Governor shall deputise for the Governor in executing the governor’s functions. Article 179(5) of the Constitution says that when the County Governor is absent, the Deputy County Governor shall act as the County Governor,” Mkangi said.
“I am surprised that six months have passed without a Deputy Governor in place in Lamu County. I am worried that if this continues, Lamu might suffer from a constitutional anomaly,” he added.
Residents and local opinion leaders had also expressed concerns over the delay, calling on the county government to expedite the appointment.
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