Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has retained his position as Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG) following the council’s leadership elections held at the Delta Center in Westlands, Nairobi. Abdullahi’s re-election was done through consensus, reaffirming the confidence of his fellow county bosses in his leadership.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga also retained his position as Vice-Chair, rounding off the three-member Executive Council. The only new face in the top leadership is Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who ascended to the Executive Council as the new Whip, replacing Nandi Governor Stephen Sang.
The leadership changes extended to several key CoG committees. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir took over as the Chairperson of the Health Committee, replacing Njuki. Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga replaced Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja as Chair of the Human Resources, Labour, and Welfare Committee.
Former Whip Stephen Sang was appointed Chair of the Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Committee, taking over from Kisii Governor Simba Arati. Arati, in turn, became the new Chair of the Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, succeeding Baringo’s Benjamin Cheboi.
Other notable changes included Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha replacing Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti as Chair of the Trade and Cooperatives Committee, and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi taking over the Transport, Infrastructure, and Energy docket from Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali.
The CoG elections are traditionally conducted either through consensus or a contested vote when more than one candidate seeks a position. The newly elected leadership will serve until October 2026.
Abdullahi first assumed the CoG chairmanship in October 2024, succeeding Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, with Kahiga as Vice-Chair and Sang as Whip. The trio had also been re-elected in October 2023, continuing a period of stability and continuity within the council’s leadership
