NAIROBI– Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG).
Abdullahi won the election held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, where Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was elected to serve as his Vice Chairperson.
The announcement followed more than five hours of closed-door discussions among the 47 county heads, during which they deliberated on leadership rotation between the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions.
Governor Abdullahi’s election underscores the council’s dedication to maintaining a balance of power and fostering consensus between the two main political coalitions.
#BreakingNews: Wajir Governor @HEAhmedJiir was on Monday elected to serve as the chairperson to the Council of Governors replacing Kirinyaga counterpart Anne Waiguru. pic.twitter.com/T2s5D270CA
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) October 7, 2024
The race initially included five county chiefs who jostled for the position: Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was appointed Vice Chair during the same meeting, as he is expected to support Abdullahi in advancing the council’s initiatives.
As the primary body representing county governments at the national level, the CoG is expected to experience a renewed sense of direction and vigor under this new leadership.
Abdullahi, who previously served as the CoG Vice Chairperson, replaces Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru, who held the position for two terms and was first elected Chair of the council in September 2022.
