‘Beautiful Lady’ to be Nairobi’s New Deputy Governor, Mike Sonko Says

Governor Mike Sonko says he has identified a female candidate to fill the vacant Nairobi Deputy Governor’s seat.

Sonko, who spoke during the launch of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report at the Bomas of Kenya on Wednesday, described the candidate as a “beautiful lady”, without naming her.

Sonko however indicated he will not nominate the candidate until President Kenyatta signs the Assumption to the Office of Governor Bill, which provides that when a deputy governor’s office falls vacant, the governor shall nominate a replacement within 14 days.

“I’ve got a very beautiful lady who is ready and immediately the president assents to that amendment bill, I’ll appoint my deputy governor,” said Sonko.

Nairobi has remained without Deputy Governor since the unexpected resignation of Polycarp Igathe on January 31st, 2018. Igathe cited a frosted relationship with Sonko as the reason for his exit.

In May last year, Sonko nominated Canada-based lawyer Miguna Miguna to the position, but the nomination was rescinded over Miguna’s unresolved citizenship status. In October, 2018, Sonko hinted he would pick either Jane Weru and Karen Nyamu to fill the position but the seat has remained vacant to-date.