Muthomi Njuki Elected Council of Governors Chairperson
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki was elected Chairperson of the Council of Governors after a consensus agreement with Kenneth Lusaka to maintain unity.
Kenya's 47 county governors elected a new executive leadership team for the Council of Governors on October 12, 2026, at the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi. The elections followed the conclusion of Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi's tenure, who had served the maximum two consecutive one-year terms as chairperson.
Muthomi Njuki, the Governor of Tharaka Nithi, was elected as the new Chairperson. The process initially featured a fierce contest between Njuki and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka. To avoid a divisive vote and preserve unity among the governors, the two reached a consensus arrangement where Njuki assumed the chairpersonship and Lusaka accepted the role of Vice Chairperson. Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi was elected as the council Whip.
The new leadership is tasked with coordinating county priorities and managing engagement with the national government under the Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2012. The council aims to maintain a united front to negotiate issues regarding pending bills, delayed disbursements, and the funding of devolved functions.
