Nairobi deputy governor Anne Kananu has been sworn in as the county’s third Governor despite protest from impeached Governor Mike Sonko.
Her swearing-in comes weeks after the Supreme Court dismissed an application filed by former governor challenging her appointment.
Kananu was sworn in on Tuesday, November 16, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Comesa Grounds in Nairobi.
Until her swearing-in, Kananu has been acting governor since December 2020 following the impeachment of Governor Mike Sonko.
Kananu while expressing her commitment to serve city dwellers, Kananu said she is up to the task adding that she is equally privileged to join Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and her Kirinyaga counterpart Ann Waiguru as the Country’s three female Governors.
“By virtue of the county’s strategic importance as an economic hub, the responsibility bestowed upon me as the governor is no mean feat. However, with your support, I confidently say that I am up to the task and I will serve you to the best of my ability,” said Kananu.
Kananu, who assumes city hall roles at a time the country is recovering from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic pledged to launch measures to mitigate its effect on Nairobi residents.
“As your governor and as a mother, I feel your pain and it is for this reason that during my tenure in the office I have focused on cushioning Nairobi residents and businesses from the impact of the pandemic,” she stated.
Sonko who is protesting Kananu’s swearing-in had on November 8, conceded defeat following the Supreme Court verdict that dismissed his petition challenging his impeachment.
The court ruled that both the County Assembly and the Senate complied with all statutory provisions for impeaching a governor.
“I concede defeat by accepting the Supreme court’s verdict this afternoon. God’s timing is the best and a time will come when he’ll give me another chance to serve Kenyans in any capacity,” Sonko said.
