Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi re-elected as Council of Governors Chairperson, Mutahi Kahiga retains Vice Chair position

Council of Governors Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi during a press briefing in Nairobi on November 18, 2024. (Photo: CoG)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, October 6, 2025

In a reshuffle within the council’s executive, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki was appointed as Whip, replacing Nandi Governor Stephen Sang.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has been re-elected as Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following a consensus vote during a full council meeting held on Monday at the CoG offices in Delta Centre, Westlands.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga retained his position as vice chairperson, while Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki was appointed Whip, replacing Nandi Governor Stephen Sang.

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Governor Ahmed and his executive team first assumed office last year, succeeding Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who had completed her two constitutionally mandated terms as CoG chair.

In a statement after the meeting, Governor Ahmed thanked his colleagues for their renewed trust in his leadership. He described his re-election as “a profound honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of steering the Council for the next one year.”

“My esteemed colleagues, Fellow Governors, it is with a heart full of profound gratitude and deep humility that I accept the immense trust you have placed in me to continue serving as the Chairperson of this distinguished body for a second term. This election, conducted during our full Council Meeting in accordance with the Intergovernmental Relations Act 2012, is not just a personal honour, but a testament to our collective commitment to stable and collaborative leadership. It is a profound honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of steering this Council for the next one year,” he said.

Ahmed noted that his new term would focus on strengthening the council’s mandate and safeguarding the spirit of devolution, pledging that his leadership would ensure “the dream of devolution is not just protected, but fully realised for the benefit of every single Kenyan.”

He also congratulated his colleagues on their new roles, acknowledging Vice Chairperson Kahiga, Whip Njuki, and the committee chairpersons overseeing key portfolios.

The Council confirmed that the elections were conducted by consensus in accordance with the Intergovernmental Relations Act, 2012.

The vote also resulted in the appointment of governors to lead technical committees. These include Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega (Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs), Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa (Health), Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma (Agriculture and Livestock Development), and Dr Wilber Ottichilo of Vihiga (Environment, Forestry and Climate Change).

Other appointments were Stephen Sang (Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships), Nathif J. Adam (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Disaster Risk Management), Paul Otuoma (Blue Economy), Erick Mutai (Education), Simon Kachapin (Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Services), Gladys Wanga (Human Resources, Labour and Social Welfare), Wisley Rotich (ICT and Knowledge Management), and Anyang’ Nyong’o (Land, Housing and Urban Development).

According to Governor Ahmed, the council’s priorities for the year include operationalising the Devolution Training Institute, implementing the CoG Strategic Plan (2022–2027), and finalising the transfer and costing of devolved functions. He emphasised that equitable revenue distribution and strengthening devolution across all sectors would remain top priorities.

“The Council’s elections are undertaken by consensus, and we unanimously agreed on the leadership that will steer the Council for the next one year,” the CoG said in a statement, underscoring the unity among the 47 governors.