Lamu Governor Issa Timamy nominates James Gichu as new deputy governor

Lamu Governor Issa Abdalla Timamy has nominated James Gichu as his deputy governor, replacing the late Raphael Munyua Ndung’u who died on September 6, 2024.

Munyua passed away while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital Critical Care Unit. The 46-year-old had been admitted to the facility with a severe headache.

The deceased was buried at his home in Umoja Village in Mpeketoni Division, Lamu County, on September 19.

In a press briefing at the Lamu County Headquarters in Mokowe on Wednesday, Governor Timamy announced that his choice of Gichu was the result of a carefully considered decision, taking multiple factors into account.

Gichu, who hails from Mpeketoni Division, Lamu West, served as Lamu County Executive for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Food Security since his inauguration on December 13, 2022.

Governor Timamy has subsequently forwarded the deputy's name to the Lamu County Assembly for vetting and consideration.

“After careful consideration and consultations with key stakeholders in our government and the community at large, the ideal person to take over the office of the Deputy Governor is my Agriculture CECM, James Gichu,” said Timamy.

Lamu Deputy Governor nominee James Gichu (right), Governor Issa Timamy (centre) and Lamu County Executive for Lands, Tashrifa Bakari at the county headquarters in Lamu West. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Gichu expressed his gratitude to Governor Issa Timamy for selecting him for the role, pledging his full cooperation to ensure the success and development of the county and its people.

He pledged to help the governor deliver on all the pre-election promises he made to the electorates.

“I am happy for this appointment. I thank my governor, Issa Timamy, for nominating me for this crucial job. I commit to helping Governor Timamy deliver on all the pre-election pledges he made to our electorates in Lamu,” said Gichu.

During the same press briefing, Governor Timamy nominated Aisha Omar Shariff as the new Lamu County Executive for ICT, eGovernment, and Citizen Participation.

The late Raphael Munyua Ndung’u also held the docket before his sudden death last month.

In attendance during the press briefing by the governor were County Secretary Ali Abbas, Lamu County Chief of Staff Abdulnasir Issa, County Executive Members representing the various dockets, Chief Officers, and members of the public.