Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), taking charge of the body that speaks for Kenya's 47 county governments at a time of growing pressure over funding and delayed disbursements.

Njuki was elected on Monday, October 12, during a full council meeting held at a Nairobi hotel. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka was elected vice chairperson. The pair succeed Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who had led the council since 2024 and served two terms as chair.

A contest settled by consensus

According to Kenyans.co.ke, Lusaka had also been in the race for the top seat before settling for the deputy position. In remarks reported by the outlet, the Bungoma governor congratulated Njuki and pledged his support, saying he "could never divide an otherwise cohesive group for personal gain."

Outgoing chair Abdullahi thanked his colleagues and urged them to give the new leadership the same backing they had extended to him during his tenure.

The new office bearers will serve an initial term of one year. Council rules allow a further one-year term, but both Njuki and Lusaka are serving their second and final terms as governors, which end with the August 2027 General Election.

Who is Muthomi Njuki?

Njuki, who was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2022, is serving his second term as governor of Tharaka Nithi. He first entered elective politics in 2013 as Member of Parliament for Chuka/Igambang'ombe and was elected governor in 2017.

Within the council, he has previously served as chief whip and chaired the health committee. In November 2025, he was elected vice chairperson after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga was removed from the post over remarks he made following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Before joining politics, Njuki worked as a teacher and in the telecommunications business. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University and a master's degree in entrepreneurship and innovations management from the University of Nairobi.

Lusaka's return to the CoG leadership

Lusaka, a former Speaker of the Senate, first served as Bungoma governor from 2013 to 2017 and returned to the office in 2022. He has chaired the council's agriculture, livestock and cooperatives committee.

In-tray for the new team

The new leadership takes over as counties continue to push for a larger share of national revenue, timely release of their equitable share and settlement of money owed to them. The council is also central to talks with the national government on the division of functions under devolution, including health and agriculture.

Past chairs of the council include Isaac Rutto, Peter Munya, Josphat Nanok, Wycliffe Oparanya, Martin Wambora and Anne Waiguru.

Photo: MuigaiMuiruri / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0