By Salim Mutuma
Outgoing Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti and his Meru counterpart Kiraitu Murungi skipped their predecessors Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo and Kawira Mwangaza’s inauguration ceremonies eliciting mixed reactions from the public.
Their Nakuru and Nyandarua colleagues Lee Kinyanjui and Francis Kimemia also did not attend the swearing in ceremonies for the new Governors Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kiarie Badilisha of Nyandarua who were both elected on United Democratic Alliance tickets.
Dr Kuti, who is the longest serving politician in the county, previously served as Isiolo North MP for two terms before taking over as the Isiolo pioneer Senator and later clinching the coveted seat from friend-turned-foe Godana Doyo who lost comeback bid to Mr Guyo in the August 9 elections.
His deputy Abdi Issa also skipped the event at Isiolo Boys grounds forcing County Secretary Ahmed Galgalo to officiate the hand over process assisted by the County Attorney.
The outgoing Governor shocked residents after he turned up to vote at Isiolo Boys polling station while on a wheelchair, several months after he endorsed Mr Guyo as his preferred successor after announcing early exit from active politics over health concerns.
Reports indicate Dr Kuti broke his legs after he fell down while going down the stairs at his home.
The absence of the leaders however did not affect the transition process with the event marked with pomp and colour as thousands of residents turned up to witness the new Governor taking oath of office.
High Court Judge Richard Mwongo and Isiolo Chief Magistrate Lucy Mutai presided over the event.
“Governor Kuti could not attend this event due to his health condition but his deputy will hand over the instruments of power to our new governor,” said Dr Galgalo before discovering that Dr Issa was not around.
Dr Galgalo who chaired the Assumption of Office of the Governor Committee then handed over to Mr Guyo the coat of arms, county and national flags, seal and a copy of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 among other instruments of power.
Praying that he gets well soonest, Mr Guyo said he will be remembered for jealously guarding peaceful coexistence among Isiolo communities and promised to build on what Dr Kuti had achieved in the last five years.
In Meru, County Secretary Rufus Miriti handed over instruments of power to Ms Mwangaza (Independent) on behalf of Mr Murungi and his deputy Titus Ntuchiu who also gave the event a wide berth.
Ms Mwangaza who beat Mr Murungi and former Senator Mithika Linturi of DEP and UDA parties promised to prioritize provision of water, improved health services, value addition for agricultural products and provision of bursaries to needy learners.
Outgoing Embu Governor Martin Wambora who lost in the Senate race also did not attend the inauguration ceremony for his successor Cecily Mbarire at the University of Embu.
A total of 45 county bosses took oath of office across the county with Kakamega and Mombasa by-elections scheduled for August 29 (Monday).
