Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), succeeding Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi. The election took place on Monday, 12 October 2026, during a full council meeting held in Nairobi.Kbc
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka was elected Vice Chairperson, while Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi retained the position of Chief Whip. Njuki and Lusaka will each serve a one-year term and are eligible for re-election for one further year, in line with the Intergovernmental Relations Act.Kbc
The leadership change followed a consensus arrangement. Both Njuki and Lusaka had expressed interest in the chairperson position, and their support was reported to be closely divided. Fellow governors intervened to avoid a potentially divisive vote, leading to the agreed sharing of the top posts. Njuki thanked his colleagues, saying he was humbled by the opportunity, while Lusaka said he accepted the deputy role in the interest of council unity.Standardmedia
Abdullahi had served as CoG Chairperson for two consecutive terms from October 2024 to October 2026. Njuki previously held the vice-chairperson position and has chaired the CoG Health Committee, where he has been involved in engagements on Universal Health Coverage, the Social Health Authority, and primary healthcare networks.
The meeting also elected chairs of the various technical committees. These include Fernandes Barasa (Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs), Abdulswamad Nassir (Health), Anne Waiguru (Agriculture), Wilber Ottichilo (Environment), and others covering areas such as resource mobilisation, disaster management, education, and infrastructure.Kbc
Njuki, who is serving his second term as Tharaka Nithi Governor on a United Democratic Alliance ticket, entered elective politics in 2013 as Member of Parliament for Chuka/Igambang’ombe before becoming governor in 2017. The new CoG leadership takes office as county governments continue to press for timely disbursement of equitable share funds, resolution of outstanding financial obligations, and stronger implementation of devolution.The-star
The Council of Governors coordinates the 47 county governments, represents their collective interests, and engages the national government on matters affecting devolved functions. Further details on the new team’s priorities are expected to emerge in the coming days.