[Photo/Courtesy]
The 2010 constitution brought us devolution, and with it came new chiefs in town. Out with the Provincial Commissioners and in with an exclusive club of 47 gentlemen. All representing counties.
Five years since this clause was implemented, some governors have shone, for good and bad reasons in equal measure, while others have sunk into political nothingness. Here's a list of the five most recognised governors.
1. Governor Ali Hassan Joho
Hate him or love him, the bad boy of Kenyan politics totally deserves the title 'governor 001'. The Mombasa governor has been in the news since this government came into power. He has come to be known as the man who stoop up and corrected the President, to his face. His altercations with President Kenyatta have only boosted his ratings. People now clamour to see him whenever he goes.
2. Alfred Mutua
The soft spoken former government spokesman has re-written the script of Kenya's style of leadership and governance. Well, at least when it comes to fulfilling election promises. He turned a once obscure Machakos town into a thriving business hub, a sports center as well as a model for development. His slogan 'Maendeleo Chap Chap' has gone on to become an official political party. The doctor of communication and media has become the envy of other governors as Kenyans on social media continue to 'beg' him to leave Machakos and vie in their counties.
3. Evans Kidero
Apart from being the governor of the country's capital city, Evans Kidero does not have much to his name. Elected on the virtue of being a decisive CEO who would probably turn around the misfortunes of Nairobi, Kidero has gone ahead to dissappoint most city residents who are battling filthy streets, sky high numbers of street families and thriving corruption. His re-election bid could be in jeorpady.
4. William Kabogo
Hushed tones say that he could be tasked with carrying the Kikuyu (Mt. Kenya) mantle come 2022. His battles with the United States over alleged drug trafficking association and his continued supremacy battles with Ferdinand Waititu have portrayed Kabogo as a man of steel. Journalists who cover the Kiambu governor have also not been spared as he is fond of calling them out whenever they report him negatively. The wealthy governor is a stauch supporter of Uhuru Kenyatta but does not shy away from confronting him on issues.
5. Isaac Ruto
The battle for the Rift Valley cannot be mentioned without reference to the Bomet governor. His tenure as the chair of the Council of Governors put him in the new frequently. After his battles with DP Ruto, he had an escapade with a broken nose that took him to South Africa. This, gave us laughs for days. We have to say, he is feisty.
Honorary mention goes to Peter Munya (Meru), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Amason Kingi (Kilifi) and Mwangi wa Iria (Murang'a).