Muthomi Njuki elected CoG chairperson, Lusaka deputy

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki during a full council meeting in Nairobi on October 12, 2026/HANDOUT

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG), with Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka becoming his deputy.

Njuki succeeds Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who has led the council since 2024.

The leadership transition comes as county governments push for increased funding, timely disbursement of equitable share allocations and settlement of outstanding financial obligations.

The new leadership is also expected to navigate relations between county governments and the national government, particularly over the implementation of devolution and the sharing of responsibilities between the two levels of government.

The Council of Governors brings together leaders of Kenya’s 47 counties and provides a platform for consultation, coordination and engagement with the national government on matters affecting devolution.

Its leadership helps shape counties’ collective position on resource allocation, healthcare, agriculture and public service delivery.

Njuki’s election places him at the centre of negotiations on the financial and administrative challenges facing devolved units as governors seek to improve service delivery.

Lusaka, who served as Bungoma governor from 2013 to 2017 before returning to office in 2022, brings experience in county administration to the deputy position.

The new team is expected to champion county governments’ interests, strengthen cooperation among governors and push for the implementation of devolution commitments.

Previous CoG chairpersons include governors Isaac Rutto, Peter Munya, Josphat Nanok, Wycliffe Oparanya, Martin Wambora and Anne Waiguru.

Njuki, who is serving his second term as Tharaka Nithi governor, first entered elective politics in 2013 when he was elected Member of Parliament for Chuka/Igambang’ombe, a position he held until 2017.He was elected governor in 2017 and retained the seat in the 2022 General Election on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.

Before joining politics, Njuki worked as a teacher and businessman in the telecommunications sector.

He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University and a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management from the University of Nairobi.

Njuki takes over the council at a critical time for county governments, which continue to demand adequate funding, timely disbursement of equitable share allocations and settlement of outstanding financial obligations.