The Illusion Of Power: A Deep Dive Into The Powerlessness Of Deputy Governors In Kenya
The Mt Kenya Times 
Former health CS Susan Nakhumicha with deputy governors Mathews Owili (Kisumu) and Ayub Savula (Kakamega) at Zipline distribution center in Chemelil, Kisumu county. Photo | Courtesy
By: Midmark Onsongo
Worth Noting:
- One of the most glaring examples of the powerlessness of deputy governors is the case of Polycarp Igathe, the deputy governor of Nairobi County under Governor Mike Sonko. After assuming office in 2017, Igathe resigned less than a year later, citing frustrations in his working relationship with Governor Sonko.
- He openly admitted that he could not earn the trust of the governor, who was notorious for micromanaging county affairs and sidelining his deputy. Igathe’s resignation highlighted a critical issue: deputy governors are often at the mercy of their bosses, with little room to operate independently. Despite being second in command, Igathe was rendered powerless, unable to influence key decisions or steer the county in any meaningful direction.
The role of deputy governors in Kenya has often been seen as one of significant authority, given their position as the second-in-command in county governments. However, over the years, it has become increasingly evident that deputy governors wield little actual power, often being reduced to ceremonial roles with minimal influence on county governance. This lack of power stems from various factors, including constitutional ambiguities, political maneuvering, and a lack of clear roles. Numerous examples from different counties illustrate this powerlessness, shedding light on the ineffectiveness of the position and questioning whether deputy governors truly serve the counties or are simply political ornaments.
When the 2010 Constitution of Kenya was enacted, it introduced devolved governments in the form of counties, creating a two-tier system of government aimed at decentralizing power and resources. Each county was to be headed by a governor, with a deputy governor as the automatic running mate. This constitutional arrangement suggested that the deputy governor would have substantial influence, sharing responsibilities with the governor and ensuring continuity in governance. However, the constitution failed to clearly define the roles of deputy governors, leaving their duties largely at the discretion of the governors. In practice, this has led to deputy governors being sidelined, with many finding themselves excluded from key decision-making processes and lacking the authority to initiate or implement policies.
One of the most glaring examples of the powerlessness of deputy governors is the case of Polycarp Igathe, the deputy governor of Nairobi County under Governor Mike Sonko. After assuming office in 2017, Igathe resigned less than a year later, citing frustrations in his working relationship with Governor Sonko. He openly admitted that he could not earn the trust of the governor, who was notorious for micromanaging county affairs and sidelining his deputy. Igathe’s resignation highlighted a critical issue: deputy governors are often at the mercy of their bosses, with little room to operate independently. Despite being second in command, Igathe was rendered powerless, unable to influence key decisions or steer the county in any meaningful direction.
Another prominent example is the case of Dr. Mandu Mandu, the former deputy governor of Lamu County, who resigned in 2019. Dr. Mandu’s resignation was triggered by his complete exclusion from the county’s decision-making processes. He claimed that he had been reduced to a mere figurehead, with Governor Fahim Twaha handling all affairs without consulting him. Dr. Mandu lamented that despite being elected alongside the governor, he was sidelined and left without any clear responsibilities. This scenario is not unique to Lamu County, as deputy governors across the country have raised similar concerns about being left out of crucial county matters and being treated as spectators rather than active participants in governance.
A recurring theme in the powerlessness of deputy governors is their lack of legal authority. Unlike governors, who have specific roles outlined in the constitution, deputy governors are left without a defined mandate. Their primary role is to assume the governor’s position in the event of a vacancy or incapacitation, but this rarely happens. For the most part, they are left waiting in the wings, only to be called upon when the governor is unavailable. This lack of clear duties not only limits their influence but also creates a situation where they are entirely dependent on the governor’s goodwill. If a governor chooses to ignore or sideline the deputy, there is little recourse for the latter. Consequently, many deputy governors are left powerless, unable to fulfill their political or administrative ambitions.
The situation in Murang’a County further illustrates the fragility of the deputy governor’s position. In 2019, Deputy Governor James Kamau publicly expressed his frustrations over being sidelined by Governor Mwangi Wa Iria. Kamau claimed that he was completely excluded from county affairs and decision-making processes, with the governor running the county unilaterally. Despite his constitutional role, Kamau had no influence on policy or administrative decisions. His plight echoed the experiences of many other deputy governors who have found themselves reduced to powerless positions, even as they hold ostensibly high-ranking offices.
Additionally, political dynamics often exacerbate the powerlessness of deputy governors. Many are selected as running mates not for their expertise or leadership abilities but as a means of fulfilling political alliances or balancing ethnic representation. Once the election is won, governors frequently see no need to engage their deputies in governance, viewing them as expendable political assets rather than partners. This dynamic can lead to strained relationships, where deputy governors are left with no meaningful role beyond attending ceremonial functions or representing the governor in minor capacities.
The powerlessness of deputy governors has become so pervasive that many have opted to resign rather than continue in their marginalized roles. This trend raises critical questions about the relevance of the position. If deputy governors are consistently excluded from governance and lack the authority to influence county affairs, what purpose do they serve? The position, as it stands, appears to be more of a political formality than a functional office. This has led to calls for constitutional amendments to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of deputy governors, ensuring that they have real authority and a meaningful role in county governance.
Beyond constitutional reforms, there is also a need for a cultural shift in how governors perceive and treat their deputies. Governors must recognize that deputy governors are not political rivals but essential partners in delivering services to the people. By sidelining their deputies, governors not only undermine the spirit of devolution but also weaken the overall effectiveness of county governments. Collaborative leadership, where governors and their deputies work together as a team, would ensure that county governments are more inclusive and effective in addressing the needs of their constituents.
The powerlessness of deputy governors in Kenya is a stark reality that has persisted since the inception of devolved governments. Examples such as Polycarp Igathe in Nairobi, Dr. Mandu Mandu in Lamu, and James Kamau in Murang’a highlight the difficulties faced by deputies in asserting their authority and contributing meaningfully to governance. The lack of clear constitutional roles, coupled with political dynamics and the governors’ reluctance to share power, has rendered the position largely ceremonial. To address this issue, there is a pressing need for legal reforms and a shift in the political culture to empower deputy governors and ensure that they play an active role in county governance. Until such changes are made, the office of the deputy governor will remain an illusion of power, offering little more than a title without the corresponding authority.
This article was scripted by;
MIDMARK ONSONGO
(Sustainable economist, Geopolitics strategizer)
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