Kinyanjui, Kimemia, Kiraitu, Wambora skip their successors’ swearing-in ceremonies

As the 45 newly elected Governors were sworn into office simultaneously on Thursday, a few outgoing county bosses chose to keep away from the venues of the ceremonies of their successors.

These include Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru), Martin Wambora (Embu), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), and Kiraitu Murungi (Meru).

Contrary to other outgoing county bosses who graced the inauguration ceremonies of their successors around the country, the four conspicuously missed the events over perceived bad blood between them and their competitors who emerged victor.

For instance, Kimemia and Kinyanjui, who were defending their respective seats, have in the recent past vowed to challenge their rivals’ victories in court citing electoral malpractices.

They have both failed to acknowledge their successors; Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Moses Kiarie ‘Badilisha’ Ndirangu (Nyandarua), saying the electoral process was marred by irregularities, voter bribery, violence among other malpractices.

Kinyanjui hence skipped Governor Kihika's swearing-in ceremony that was held at the Nakuru ASK showground, while Kimemia alsi snubbed Badilisha's gig. 

Wambora was also absent from UDA party’s Cecily Mbarire’s ceremony held at the Embu University grounds despite not running for the office.

He was seeking a stab at the Senate seat after the end of his two terms in office, where he lost to Alexander Mundigi of the Democratic Party.

Murungi, on his part, is yet to publicly congratulate his successor in Meru, Kawira Mwangaza, and further skipped her inauguration.

The outgoing Governor as well as his allies, including his deputy Titus Ntuchiu, all gave the ceremony a wide berth.

Only County Secretary Rufus Miriti, who is also the Chairperson of the Assumption of Office Committee, was present at the event.

The Constitution however does not require for an outgoing Governor to be present at the handing over ceremony for it to be valid.

Section 13(4) of the Assumption of Office of Governor Act notes: "Failure by the outgoing County Governor to handover the instruments of power to the County Governor-elect shall not invalidate the assumption to the office of County Governor by the County Governor-elect."