Why Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko nominated Anne Kananu Mwenda as his deputy

With about a week left to the hearing of his case on January
21, Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko has written to Speaker Beatrice Elachi,
directing her to have the county’s Disaster Management and Coordination Sector
Chief Officer Anne Kananu Mwenda vetted for the position of deputy governor.

In a letter dated Monday January 6 2020, the governor said Mwenda’s
nomination is to serve the best interest of stability in the county, being the
country’s capital which requires proper management.

Sonko added that following a court order, which bars him
from accessing his office, he therefore delegates the speaker to vet Mwenda as
per the provision of the constitution.

“The complexity in Nairobi became more intricate following
my arraignment in court December 2019, and the subsequent bail terms that,
among other things, require me, as Governor, to stay out of office until the
determination of the matter,” read the letter in part.

“I therefore humbly urge the Assembly to expedite the
vetting process of the said nominee, for purposes of appointment, as per the
provisions of the County Government Act…”

The deputy governor seat fell vacant following the then
Deputy Polycarp Igathe’s resignation.