[Wreckage of a vehicle in which Governor Wahome Gakura was travelling in. He will be replaced by his deputy Mutahi Kahiga. Photo/Nation]
Nyeri Deputy Governor will automatically assume office following the death of Governor Wahome Gakuru.
He will now be Nyeri's fourth governor in a short duration of five years since the inception of devolved system of governance.
Early this year, Samuel Wamathai took over from Nderitu Gachagua who also died before the end of his first term in office.
Article 182(2) states that if the sitting governor ceases to hold office under circumstances such as death, the deputy takes over for the reminder of the term until next General Elections.
Wahome, a former official in the Vision 2030, was pronounced death immediately after being involved in an accident on Tuesday morning on his way to Nairobi for a Morning Talk Show in one of the local TV station.
Leaders from across the political divide have hailed him as a focused leader whose aim was to improve the economy of the Central Kenya County.
"I have lost a friend and a colleague. I was with him few weeks ago and I am really saddened that he is no more," said Martin Wambora of Embu.
Mike Sonko of Nairobi said: "He was a courageous man and I have nothing more to add. He was a personal friend."