Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been thrust into the national spotlight after being elected the new Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), a decision that comes exactly a month after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga resigned from the post under intense public and political pressure.
Njuki’s elevation was sealed during a full Council meeting in Naivasha, where governors endorsed him unanimously. The session, described by insiders as calm but purposeful, was aimed at stabilising the Council’s leadership after weeks of turbulence triggered by Kahiga’s controversial remarks on the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In his acceptance, Njuki pledged to defend the integrity of the office and to help steer the Council toward unity and stronger collaboration with the national government.
Kahiga’s fall from one of the Council’s most influential positions began at a funeral in Nyeri, where he made statements in his native Kikuyu dialect that were widely condemned as insensitive and politically reckless. His suggestion that Raila’s death had in some way “levelled the playing field” ignited outrage across the political divide, forcing the Council of Governors to publicly distance itself from the comments. The leadership termed his remarks “untimely, reckless and unspeakable,” a rare public rebuke within the usually tight-knit forum of county chiefs.
Despite eventually issuing an apology, the pressure mounted, culminating in his resignation on October 22, a move that opened the door for a leadership reshuffle within the CoG.
Njuki now steps into an office that requires both diplomacy and firmness. His colleagues believe he offers a calmer, more structured leadership style that may help the Council refocus on its priorities — from pushing for increased county allocations to smoothing intergovernmental cooperation. His election is already being interpreted as a deliberate attempt to restore unity after Kahiga’s stormy exit and to reassure Kenyans that the institution remains stable.
As the new Vice-Chairperson, Njuki’s tenure will be closely watched, especially given the political sensitivities that currently surround the devolution conversation. For now, however, his colleagues seem aligned behind him, signalling a fresh start for the Council — and a new chapter for the Tharaka Nithi Governor on the national stage.
