How governors, deputies feud puts counties on the edge

Several governors and their deputies join public service with solid manifestos, but the bromance quickly crumbles as feuds take centre stage and compromise service delivery.

Since the 2022 General Election, several governors have been at loggerheads with their deputies, which has affected the execution of the manifestos.  

So bad is the situation that some county chiefs do not see eye to eye with their deputies, while others have stifled resources to the DGs offices even as they battle for survival amid impeachment plans.

While some of the feuds have been resolved in recent months following mediation by some leaders, several counties are a ticking time bomb as the leaders frosty relations threaten development.

The situation has plagued Siaya, Kericho, Baringo, Trans Nzoia, Meru, and Kisii counties, among others.

Analysts believe the forced political marriages brokered by the major political parties to implement pre-election pacts, meet regional balance and tackle sibling rivalry are to blame for the feuds.

In Siaya county, where the ODM party brought together Governor James Orengo and his deputy William Oduol, the political marriage is broken and the leaders are tolerating each other for the sake of development and service delivery.

The duo fell out a few months after the elections and have not been working as a team. Instead, the politics of accusations has dominated the devolved unit even as residents demand better services.

Last week, Oduol pledged loyalty to Governor Orengo while calling for reconciliation and constitutional order.

Earlier, he had accused the governor of sidelining him and not allocating him resources to discharge his duties.

Speaking recently following speculation over Orengo’s whereabouts, Oduol delivered a measured yet firm statement aimed at allaying fears over the power dynamics within the county's top leadership.

While acknowledging differences with the governor, Oduol struck a reconciliatory tone, urging unity for the sake of the people. “Leadership is not about personal ambition or rivalry; it is, and must always be, about selfless service,” he said.

But it remains to be seen whether the two leaders will put aside their differences and work together.

At the county assembly, a section of MCAs claimed that they do not recognise the deputy governor after they impeached him last year. The move was, however, overturned by the Senate.

East Asembo MCA Gordon Onguru, claimed that Oduol is not genuine.

Yimbo East MCA Francis Otiato said that they do not recognise Oduol as the deputy governor and cannot allow him to appear before the assembly.

"He can come back to work, but he will never appear before the assembly that declared him unfit to hold office," said Otiato. 

In Meru, former Governor Kawira Mwangaza was consigned to the political cold after she was impeached and replaced by her deputy Isaac Mutuma.

By the time Mwangaza's political star was dimmed early this year, her relationship with her deputy was at its lowest moment. She  claimed her deputy was among those who plotted her downfall in a feud that escalated for two years before her ouster.

Constitutional lawyer Joshua Nyamori argues that the weak institutional systems are to blame for some of the woes facing counties.

"The biggest challenge, however, is weak institutional structures. In many counties, the governor’s word is final, with county executives and assemblies often reduced to rubber-stamping his decisions," said Nyamori.

In Rift Valley, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, who has fallen out with his deputy Fredrick Kirui, has already petitioned President William Ruto to dissolve the devolved unit following a second impeachment bid by the assembly.

MCAs want to impeach the governor following claims of financial misappropriation raised by Kirui.

Dr Mutai who has accused his deputy of being behind his woes, is expected to appear before the county assembly this week.

Similarly, in Trans Nzoia, Governor George Natembeya and his deputy Philomena Kapkory are also not seeing eye to eye.

County officials claimed that the deputy governor avoids attending the same functions with the governor and is rarely seen at the county headquarters.

About two weeks ago, Kapkory was among the notable absentees during the official unveiling of the new county headquarters that was constructed at a cost of Sh500 million.

In Kisii and Uasin Gishu counties, Governors Simba Arati and Jonathan Bii are seeking to create a bond with their new deputies after the ones they were elected with left office.

Arati replaced Robert Monda who was impeached with Elijah Obebo. Prior to the impeachment, the duo had fallen out.

Analysts believe the woes facing counties are also compounded by delays by the National Treasury to disburse funds complicating service delivery.

Communication consultant Barrack Muluka opines that counties are also struggling with bloated staff as a result of governors appointing their people.

"The biggest problem facing counties as we mark another devolution conference, I suspect the national government is not fully releasing funds and is burdened by heavy debt. Another major issue is personnel: governors bring in their people, adding to already bloated staff numbers, and eventually, most county funds risk being consumed by salaries," he said.

Nyando MP Jared Okello, believes personal interests of some governors and their deputies also contribute to the woes facing the counties.

"Another issue is a lack of capacity, as governors often appoint loyalists rather than qualified professionals. This undermines efficiency, especially in critical departments like finance," he says.

 Additional reporting by Rodgers Otiso, Isaiah Gwengi and Nikko Tanui