Former West Mugirango MP James Gesami is a step away from becoming Nyamira’s second deputy governor.
The county assembly approved Dr Gesami’s nomination to the seat Monday morning.
He will now take oath of office and deputise governor Amos Nyaribo.
Nyaribo who was the pioneer deputy governor took over the reign after the demise of John Nyagarama last year.
Today’s verdict by the assembly breaks an eight month long stalemate that was characterised by projections of possible clan arithmetic in next year’s polls.
Nyaribo first forwarded the name to the assembly on 6th January but it was rejected.
The appointments committee presented its report to the assembly on Monday in a special County assembly sitting.
Dr Gesami was vetted for the second time on Friday last week.
All the 36 MCAS voted for the approval of the nominee as the deputy governor.
Speaker Moffat Teya declared; “As the speaker of the county assembly, I declare the approval of James Gesami as the deputy governor nominee for Nyamira County.”
Appointments committee chairman and Township ward MCA Duke Masira who is also the majority leader moved the approval motion.
It was seconded by minority leader and Nyansiongo MCA Dennis Kebaso.
Dr Gesami’s approval comes after the High Court dismissed a case that was filed barring his nomination and approval as deputy governor last month.
Kebaso said the nominee had presented to the committee what was required of him to qualify for the DG post.
“Honorable speaker, a 37 years (in public service and politics) experience by the nominee is nothing to debate about.
All the requirements have been met and we do not have any reason to say anything against Dr Gesami’s appointment,” Kebaso said.
Masira said the committee considered everything that was availed to the committee.
This included the nominee’s experience in various disciplines and his qualities.
“Having considered the ability, experience, statutory requirements and other qualities of the nominee, the committee recommends that, Dr (James) Gesami be approved by the county assembly for appointment as the County Deputy governor,” Masira said.
Ekerenyo ward MCA Thaddeus Nyabaro said the house had no option than to support Dr Gesami’s approval.
“He has everything that is needed for him to be deputy governor,” Nyabaro said.
Nyamaiya ward MCA Raban Masira said focus now should be shifted to development.
“The decision that we have reached as a house will determine how services will be rendered to our people. That is why we all need to give total support to the nominee and the governor for a better county,” Masira said.
Gesima MCA Charles Maroko said with the approval of Dr Gesami, there will be no excuse as to why services will not be rendered to residents.
Residents who had assembled at the county assembly premises took to the streets to celebrate the long awaited ‘victory’.
Dr. Gesami, while addressing the media moments later, said he will help fix the health sector.
This, he noted, will help revive the economy.
He added that he will work towards their re-election.
Dr Gesami served as West Mugirango MP for two terms before he unsuccessfully vied for governorship in 2017.
He also served as Health assistant minister during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure.
Prior to that, he served the country at various levels, including Nyanza as the Provincial Director of Medical Services.
He is a strong politician across Nyamira, according to observers.
Recently, Nyaribo appointed him as Advisor, Special Programs, a seat he will have to vacate now.
