The caucus of Deputy Governors in Kenya on Wednesday, March 19, demanded legal reforms that would clearly define their roles in the counties amidst numerous run-ins with their governors.
Led by chair Rueben Kamuri, the Council of Deputy Governors insisted that many deputy governors had engaged in tussles with their bosses due to what they claim is a lack of a clear definition of roles.
As per Kamuri, the squabbles have led to numerous cases of governors and deputy governors in various counties at loggerheads thus affecting county operations.
In some cases, the tensions have left the deputy governors out in the cold and isolated from county activities.
“There must be clear respect for the two offices. There must be clear respect for the governor’s office. There must be clear respect for the deputy governor’s office. This office (deputy governor) is enshrined in the Constitution,” Kamuri stated.
“During elections, everyone is happy. But after elections, the disagreements (between governors and their deputies) start. We want to say enough is enough. We have also resolved as Deputy Governors to be at the forefront of protecting devolution in the counties,” he added.
To that effect, the caucus has forwarded a draft Bill to the Senate seeking reforms that bring in a clear definition of their roles and introduce new legislations in key county functions.
Top of their agenda was budgetary allocation with the group seeking funds allotted to the Office of the Deputy Governor. Typically, the Constitution dictates that the deputy governor's office operates under the Governor’s office budget, as it does not have an independent vote in the county budget.
The extent of funding depends on the Governor’s discretion, county budget priorities, and County Assembly approvals. However, some counties allocate specific funds for the Deputy Governor’s administrative expenses, including salaries for staff, travel, and operational costs.
In regard to the functions of the deputy governor, the Constitution stipulates that the Deputy Governor performs functions assigned by the Governor. Consequently, the deputy governors are seeking to introduce new reforms that would give them well-defined roles, involvement in decision-making and protection of the DG’s office.
In Kenya, cases of deputies having rifts with their bosses have been rife albeit to varying degrees. In Kisii, Deputy Governor Joash Maangi fell out with Governor James Ongwae after Maangi shifted his political allegiance to Deputy President William Ruto, while Ongwae remained loyal to ODM leader Raila Odinga. This was during their tenure from 2013 to 2022.
A rift between the former Nairobi governor and his deputy Polycarp Igathe saw the latter resign just five months into office, citing a failure to earn the Governor’s trust. His exit left Nairobi without a Deputy Governor for over two years, leading to governance challenges.
Another squabble ensued in Kiambu with former DG James Nyoro accusing former county boss Ferdinand Waititu of sidelining him in decision-making and financial matters. Waititu ended up being impeached in 2020 over graft charges, and Nyoro was sworn in as Governor.
Currently, Siaya governor James Orengo and his deputy William Oduol are embroiled in a dispute with the latter accusing Orengo's administration of corruption and alleging that he was being sidelined in county operations.
In response, The Siaya County Assembly dismissed Oduol's allegations due to lack of evidence. Subsequently, a motion for his impeachment was introduced, citing gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office.
