Immediate former Council of Governors Vice Chair Ann Waiguru, who doubles as Kirinyaga County chief, says she might take over from Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya when the council goes for elections next year.
On Monday, Oparanya floored Waiguru, Prof Anyang Nyong'o (Kisumu), Josephat Nanok (Turkana), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Salim Mvurya of Kwale to become the forth county chief to be elected as Council of Governor's chair.
And after losing in the polls, Waiguru, who is now believed to be a key politician from Central Kenya, said she's still keen to be the first ever female governor to hold the position.
"Governor Oparanya hosted us in Devolution Conference last year and he's now chairman. I am hosting Devolution Conference this year. Who knows? I might also take over next year as chairperson," Waiguru stated. https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Oparanya-elected-Council-of-Governors-chair/1056-4934734-view-asAMP-1mmtx9/index.html.
For the first time in almost two years, there was a change of guard at the council given that Nanok's term was extended by several months due to 2017 polls. He was the third governor to hold the powerful position since the inception of devolved systems of government.
In his speech, Nanok said: "I was chairman during the most difficult transition period. I am proud that even after getting new members, we remained united. My intention was to fight for devolution. I never used my seat for political gains."
The power of handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga might have played an integral role in the polls given that Jubilee party, despite enjoying outright majority in the council, could not still produce one of their own as chair.
Also elected to the executive positions were Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, who takes over from Waiguru as Vice Chair and Makueni County boss Kivutha Kubwana, who will now assume the Chief Whip roles.