Lamu County Assembly rejects Deputy Governor Nominee James Gichu

Lamu County Assembly on Wednesday decisively rejected Governor Issa Timamy’s nominee for deputy governor, James Gichu, following a motion that failed to gain majority support.

This setback comes nearly a month after the death of former Deputy Governor Raphael Munyua Ndung'u on September 6, 2024.

Governor Timamy appointed Gichu on October 16, hoping to fill the vacant seat in compliance with county laws.

However, the assembly, consisting of ten elected MCAs, did not support the nomination, prompting the governor to pursue another candidate.

The law stipulates that the assembly must cast a majority vote for any deputy governor appointment before the appointee can take office.

James Gichu previously served as the county executive committee member for agriculture, irrigation, and food security, overseeing various agricultural initiatives, including irrigation projects and county grain stores. Yet, the reasons for the assembly's rejection remain unclear.

Supporters of Gichu expressed disappointment, demanding that MCAs publicly explain their decision. “The assembly owes the public an explanation for this unprecedented rejection,” said a supporter who preferred to remain anonymous. “James Gichu has proven himself capable; this decision seems arbitrary.”

Critics have also pointed to procedural irregularities within the assembly that may have hindered Gichu's approval process. "It's concerning that we are left without a deputy governor for so long, especially when the governor relies on this role to carry out essential duties," remarked another observer. 

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