Lamu MCAs reject Timamy’s deputy governor nominee James Gichu

The Lamu County Assembly has rejected Governor Issa Timamy’s deputy governor nominee James Gichu.

The motion for Mr Gichu’s approval had been tabled in the House on Wednesday afternoon by Majority Leader and Kiunga Ward Representative Bwana Mohamed Bwana.

After a consultative session on the discussion of the said motion, Speaker Azhar Ali Mbarak subjected it to an open vote without any debate in the House.

One ward representative, Mercy Wangeco, out of 19 was absent. Out of the 18 MCAs present, nine voted against the motion while another nine supported it.

As per the results, the motion constitutionally died as it failed to get a simple majority in the House vote.

A simple majority vote is a requirement that more than half (51 percent) of the members present support a motion or a bill for it to pass.

The decision by the county assembly to reject the nomine has sent Governor Issa Timamy back to the drawing board as he works to replace the late Raphael Munyua Ndung’u who died on September 6, 2024, while receiving treatment in Nairobi

Mr Timamy has the option of nominating either the same individual or make another choice to deputise him within 14 days.

On October 16, Mr Timamy announced the nomination of Mr Gichu and expressed confidence in his selection, saying it was a well-thought-out decision that involved wide consultations.

“After careful consideration and consultation with key stakeholders in our government and the community at large, the ideal person to take over the office of the Deputy Governor is my Agriculture CECM, James Gichu,” Mr Timamy said.

The decision by the Lamu County Assembly to reject Mr Gichu has, however, been met with both praises and condemnations in equal measure.

Ahmed Yusuf, an elder in Lamu, said the House has the powers vested in them by the Constitution to either accept or reject any nominee no matter what and that people ought to respect that.

“I believe in the decision by our county assembly to reject Mr Gichu. I know for sure that it has tangible reasons behind all that, and everything is of benefit to mwananchi. Let’s respect that,” said Mr Yusuf.

Chairperson of the Scrap Metal Council of Kenya Francis Mugo challenged the assembly to explain why it had rejected Mr Gichu.

Mr Mugo praised Mr Gichu as the right nominee since he has served as the CECM for Agriculture in Lamu since 2022 and that he possesses all the qualifications necessary for the deputy governor role.

“We have had enough of procedural irregularities in that assembly and we’re calling the MCAs to order. We’re a country governed by law, and not by individual bigots who think they can dictate decisions. Your time of micromanaging institutions is over,” said Mr Mugo.

Lamu Educationist Edward Mbuthia called on the Lamu MCAs to put their interests and politics aside and give Governor Issa Timamy his choice of the deputy governor.

Mr Mbuthia insisted that the deputy governor is the principal assistant to the governor and therefore, Mr Timamy was in his right mind in nominating James Gichu as the person who can mostly assist him deliver his mandate.

“Unless there are grounds that can prevent the nominated deputy governor from holding the public office. Personally, I hold Mr Gichu as the right choice for the good and unity of Lamu County,” said Mbuthia.

skazungu@ke.nationmedia.com

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Comedies

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Documentaries

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Primetime

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.