Governor John Nyagarama has substantially deteriorated in a US hospital where he was admitted on Saturday, a source privy to the governor's whereabouts has revealed.
Last week, Nyagarama wrote to his deputy Amos Nyaribo asking him to temporarily take over until he returns to the country.
"You will be required to discharge gubernatorial duties except in nominating, appointing or dismissing officials as outlined in 179(5)," read the governor's letter.
His absence from the country has heightened political temperatures with succession battles dominating in the region.
And according to the source who spoke in confidence, doctors are working around the clock to restore the governor's health.
"His health has deteriorated substantially and doctors are yet to find the best procedure to restore it. We are only hoping that by the end of this week all will be fine."
At Nairobi Hospital, Nyagarama's son, Ndemo Nyagarama, is also battling illness and has since been put on life support.