Lamu Governor Finally Gets a New Deputy, Six Months After Raphael Munyua’s Death
Lamu County is set to have a new deputy governor, ending months of uncertainty following the death of Raphael Munyua Ndung’u.
Governor Issa Timamy has nominated Dr. Mohammed Mbarak Bahjaj for the position, and his nomination was officially approved by the Lamu County Assembly on Thursday, February 13.
The confirmation was announced by Lamu County Assembly Speaker Ali Ahzar Mbarak, who assured that the necessary legal procedures would be followed before Bahjaj assumes office.
“We have received the name of Dr. Mohammed Mbarak Bahjaj from the governor for the deputy governor position,” Ahzar stated.
“My duty now is to ensure that all legal and procedural requirements are met within the stipulated time frame.”
Before his nomination, Bahjaj served as the Lamu County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Health, Sanitation, and Environment.
His appointment means he will vacate this role to take up his new responsibilities as the second-in-command in Lamu’s leadership.
Rejected Nominee and Political Opposition
Governor Timamy initially nominated James Gichu, the County Executive Committee member for Agriculture and Food Security, as his deputy.
However, this proposal was strongly opposed by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs). Gichu’s nomination was rejected twice, with reports indicating that ethnic politics played a major role in the opposition.
Several local leaders insisted that the deputy governor should be chosen from the indigenous communities of Lamu.
Mbarak Bahjaj’s Impressive Track Record
Despite the political debate surrounding the appointment, Dr. Bahjaj’s credentials and leadership experience make him a strong choice for the position.
As the Health CEC, he spearheaded several key initiatives, including the establishment of six maternity wings across Lamu County.
His efforts have significantly improved maternal healthcare and reduced maternity-related deaths over the past two years.
His approval as the new deputy governor marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding who would serve as Governor Timamy’s deputy for the remainder of his term.
The delay had put Lamu County at risk of breaching legal requirements regarding the timely appointment of a deputy governor.
Legal Requirements for Deputy Governor Nomination
The appointment process aligns with the amendments made to the County Governments Act, 2017.
According to the law, a governor must nominate a new deputy within 14 days of the position becoming vacant. This ensures continuity in leadership and prevents a constitutional crisis at the county level.
The deputy governor position in Lamu became vacant in September 2024 following the death of Raphael Munyua Ndung’u.
Munyua passed away while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital, a tragic event that shocked the political landscape.
While the exact cause of his death was not disclosed, his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from leaders across the country, including President William Ruto.
With Bahjaj’s approval, Lamu County now moves forward with a complete leadership team, ensuring smooth governance and the continuation of development projects in the region.
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